The first months of the year are often dedicated to new beginnings and attempting healthy lifestyles. Local health and wellness providers in the Ann Arbor area share their tips in beginning a new healthy lifestyle, as well as share how they help people achieve thier goals.
Bonnie Dockham, LMSWÂ
Executive Director, Cancer Support CommunityÂ
What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new healthy lifestyle? Find a healthy activity that you actually love and include the people you care about in it. For example, don’t try to become a runner if you hate running. There are so many ways we can move and take care of our bodies, I believe it is all about finding what you actually enjoy and can maintain. Add in meeting a friend or family member as part of your routine and it is good for both your body and your heart.Â
How do you help individuals stay motivated to maintain healthy routines? For me, it’s important to keep reminding myself why I prioritize my health—and to stay intentional about it. I think about wanting to be active and fully present with my grandkids. I want to play with them, chase them around and jump in the water without fear. I truly believe the choices we make today shape the future we get to live, and at the end of the day, we’re all striving for the same thing: to feel content and fulfilled.Â
Mary Light, ND MH LMTÂ
Director, Dexter Natural Health CenterÂ
What advice do you have for people who are beginning a new healthy lifestyle?For those new- basic habits are better to cultivate and adopt than trendy practices. Walking, a clean whole foods diet, preparing more of your food at home; gentle consistent stretching. Set up and follow good sleep habits. Diet, movement and sleep are really important as a foundation to health and healing.Â
