Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Start the New Year off with a Dash of Health and Wellness!

With the start of a new year and decade, comes the old saying “New Year, New You.” For many of us, health plays some sort of role in our resolutions. Whether it be joining a gym, breaking in that new fit bit you got at the holiday, or a goal to eat clean, many of us unknowingly promote health and wellness in our lives.

 Lately, the phrase “health and wellness” seems to be everywhere you go but what does it truly mean? Most of us don’t have an extra second with work, kids, school and everything that falls in between so you may be thinking how can I possible add something else into my busy schedule? According to UC Davis, wellness is defined as, “an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.” So, it may not be something you have to add to your lifestyle, it may just be something you have to tweak that will make your life a little more fulfilling and a little less stressful. Now that you know what health and wellness is, you may be wondering what are some new ways or trends that you can achieve this? Take a look at some of the trends of 2020 that may help you fulfill your new years resolution.

Meditation - Meditation is key to relaxing and getting your mind centered for the day. Just a few minutes a day can do wonders for your body and mind such as boosting immune function, help cope with stress and depression and enhance brain and nervous systems. Are you on the fence about trying meditation? Greenburgh Public Library offers free mediation at different times of the year. Our next installment will be on February 18 with Dr. Andrew Vidich.
 

Home Exercises - The gym isn’t for everyone! More and more people are bringing the gym to their backyard. Finding time for fitness is hard enough so having it be as convenient as turning on your TV or mobile device is sure to help! Two and a half hours of physical exercise a week can help lower the risk of heart disease, control weight, blood sugar and insulin levels and help improve mental health overall. Westchester Library System has a wealth of DVDs devoted to exercise ranging from Salsa dance to Tennis! 
 

Plant Based Diets - We’ve covered mood and physical but what about changing the way we eat? Fad diets usually die about by January 31st but what about trying a whole new way of cooking? Eating plant based does not mean that you have to make a complete 180 and stop eating meat. It just means that plant based foods (fruits, vegetables and legumes) should hold a higher proportion on your plate the meat or dairy.There are many tips and tricks to starting a plant based regiment but why not start out by checking out one of our many cookbooks for inspiration.
 

Make sleep important!  - Although it can sound simple, sleep is one thing we all know we need but somehow don’t know how to get more of it.  Sleep deprivation doesn’t only make you tired, it can have negative effects on your health and wellbeing such as a decrease in immune system performance, an increased risk for cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.Lack of sleep can also affect your mental health as it can cause a greater risk of depression, anxiety and forgetfulness. Research has shown that listening to music as your head hits the pillow will allow your brain to shut off easier and catch those must needed zzz’s. If you have a mobile device, stream or download sleep playlists from the Library’s free e-Music service Freegal.
 

• Last but not least, Mindfulness! This isn’t a new trend but with a focus on mindfulness you may have an easier time trying to successful complete your health and wellness resolution. Mindfulness is being aware of  thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens. You may be thinking, but "I already do this?" The difference is to look at it with a non-judgmental lens. Don’t focus on if the exercise is right for you or if your recipe is exactly the right proportion of meat to plant based, focus on the moment instead. If you’d like to read more about Mindfulness, try one of our many books and DVDs devoted to this subject. 

If you'd like to learn more about how you can improve your health and wellness stop by the library for one of our health and wellness events or browse our nonfiction section where we have books about everything from aerobics to yoga!