This year, why not make your resolution to improve your health? 

No, we’re not challenging you to try the latest crash-diet craze or dive headfirst into a total makeover. 

Making small changes in your daily lifestyle can result in big changes for your long-term health. Check out some of our suggested new year’s resolutions to improve your ENT health.

Improve Your ENT Health

Focus on Getting Better Sleep

One of the greatest keys to better health is better sleep. 

Sleep affects everything from our growth hormones and immune system to our appetites and cardiovascular health. The CDC notes anyone over the age of 16 should get at least seven hours of sleep, but we know getting quality sleep isn’t always as easy as it sounds. 

Try to set up a sleep schedule so that you fall asleep and wake up at the same time throughout the week. Avoid staring at your phone, computer or TV right before bed, and designate your bedroom to be a dark place solely for catching those Zs. 

[Related: How To Stop Revenge Sleep Procrastination and Get Much-Needed Sleep]

Cut Back on Screen Time

As we mentioned above, cutting down on your screen time, especially before you sleep, can really benefit you in the long run. Did you know the average American spends approximately seven hours looking at a screen every day? Reducing that by at least a couple of hours is a smart idea. 

Minimizing endless scrolling or binge-watching can balance your body’s stress hormone, cortisol, as well as your circadian rhythm. This results in less stress, better sleep and boosted brain function.

Drink More Water

We hear it time and time again, but that’s because it’s true: Drink more water. 

Drinking more water should be on everyone’s resolution list. Staying hydrated does a multitude of good for our bodies. This is just a short list of water’s health benefits: 

• Lubricating joints
• Maintaining temperature
• Regulating waste and bodily fluids
• Energizing muscles
• Keeping skin clear and healthy 

To remind you to drink more water, purchase a reusable water bottle that you always have by your side. You can also look into different apps that help you track your water intake. 

Not a fan of the taste? 

Luckily, the market for flavored seltzer and sugarless flavor enhancers has boomed in the past decade or so. That means you have no excuses — stay hydrated! 

[Related: How To Treat Seasonal Allergies]

Quit Smoking

The fact that cigarettes are bad for your health doesn’t surprise anyone. However, you might not realize that smoking can also negatively affect many of your senses, including smell, taste and even hearing. 

Smoking interferes with our bodies’ nasal passages, tongue and olfactory system. That means if you smoke, you may have trouble detecting particular smells or identifying tastes. 

According to Audiology & Hearing Health, smokers also have a 70% higher chance of experiencing hearing loss than nonsmokers. This is most likely because of the damage smoking does to your eustachian tube, blood pressure, neurotransmitters and overall central nervous system. 

There’s no time like the present to quit! Check out the CDC to find helpful resources and literature.

Monitor Your Noise Levels

Although it may seem like a good time now, you might regret standing near the stage at a rock concert when you’re older. 

Monitoring your noise levels is one of the best resolutions to improve your ENT health. Keep aware of the sound levels around you, especially at large, people-packed events. You can also safeguard your ears with earplugs or limit noise exposure time to prevent premature hearing loss. When listening to music or watching TV through headphones, it’s also crucial to limit the volume level.

Schedule Regular Checkups

If you can’t remember the last time you went in for a checkup, it’s probably time. Although it’s different for everyone, many sources recommend that those under 50 go for a regular exam once every few years and that those over 50 schedule annual checkups. 

During your checkup, mention any and all concerns. 

However, if you’re struggling with a chronic illness or something unexpected occurs with your health, make it a new year’s resolution to schedule an appointment ASAP. Your health is the best investment you can make, no matter the time of year.

[Related: Recover Your Breathing Post-COVID]

Manage Your Stress

Chronic stress is one of the body’s biggest enemies. 

Left unmanaged, stress can wreak havoc on your health. It can cause a variety of physical and mental issues, including these: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cardiovascular trauma
• Eating disorders
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• High blood pressure 

So try to manage your stress this year. Here are just a few ways to lower your stress levels:

• Make sure you’re open with your doctors and therapists about any stress you’re experiencing.
• Review your sleep, diet and exercise habits to see whether they can use any improvement.
• Reach out and seek support from your friends and family when needed. 
• Try to rest your mind and not overwork yourself. 
• Consider practicing yoga, deep breathing exercises or meditation, which many people find can lessen their stress levels. 

Experience Your Healthiest Year Yet With Dr. Matorin

If you’re looking for ways to improve your health this year, Dr. Matorin is ready to support you. At our clinic, our goal is to help people breathe easier and live happier, healthier and fuller lives. 

Interested in learning more about the best resolutions to improve your ENT health? Schedule your appointment with Dr. Matorin today.

Featured image via Pixabay