

Though our intentions may be noble, only of Americans kept their New Year鈥檚 resolutions in 2015. Don鈥檛 let this year鈥檚 resolutions fall by the wayside. Start small, and begin your new year with these achievable health tips:
1-minute tip: Crack a smile. If one of your resolutions is to feel happier, spending a minute laughing can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem. The adage laughter is the best medicine is true. Experts say laughter also provides healthy stimulation for your heart and blood vessels. So, take time for your health and find something to laugh about.
5-minute tip: Plan your day. Many people resolve to free up more time, stay organized, and reduce stress. Investing in a planner鈥攅lectronic or old-fashioned paper鈥攁nd keeping realistic to-do lists can help you achieve your goals. A little planning before your day begins helps you to avoid stress and unnecessary anxiety.
15-minute tip: Take a book (or other) break. Some people make it a goal to read several books or pages in a specific timeframe. If that seems unattainable, set aside 15 minutes daily (don鈥檛 forget to schedule it!) for reading. This works for any hobby too. You don鈥檛 need a large chunk of time to enjoy yourself. When you commit to doing a little every day, you鈥檒l be more likely to stick with it throughout the year. Health benefits of taking up hobbies include providing an outlet for stress, lowering blood pressure, and increasing positive mental states.
30-minute tip: Go back to school. No matter your age, there is always something new and useful to learn. There are countless websites where you can take cheap or free online courses to expand your knowledge. If you鈥檙e a more hands-on learner, look into community course catalogues. El Camino Hospital frequently offers a variety of classes, seminars, screenings, and events focused on health and wellbeing.
Identify your risk factors and what to do if you are at risk.