Supporting Your Health in 2024

Societal health rose to the forefront of the conversation in the past several years as the pandemic raged across the continents. Now, it has impacted how individuals make decisions every day. Workplaces, healthcare clinics, and society itself will never be the same as a result of the last few years, and as medical technology continues to advance, this trend will only continue. 

Now that we have entered a new year, it is time to think about your wellness in a new way. How are your mind and body doing to start 2024? What decisions will need to be made this year about your healthcare needs? How will you promote better wellness for the next 365ish days? 

Managing your health requires action. To take appropriate action, you need to know what options are available to you when crafting a plan. Here are some steps to consider taking in 2024 to take better care of your body and mind. 

Take Social Media Breaks

Although social media has plenty of benefits, namely connecting us with the world and loved ones, it also has some drawbacks. This is evident as multiple states sue Meta for contributing to the youth mental health crisis. As the owner of both Facebook and Instagram, two of the largest social media sites on the planet, the claimants are alleging that these platforms manipulate children into becoming addicted while lowering their self-esteem. The same could be true about you. If social media is negatively affecting your mental health, then perhaps this is the year to scale back your usage. Limiting your time each day or going on prolonged breaks from social media could restore your mental health as you avoid the disease of constant comparison. 

Utilize Telehealth Services

You might have a very busy schedule that makes it difficult to plan healthcare appointments. Even if you manage to find time for them, the time commitment and missed work can be frustrating. Fortunately, a convenient solution has been steadily growing in the last few years: telehealth services. A popular alternative to in-person checkups, telehealth services allow patients to communicate with their doctors without having to leave their homes. This cuts down on time spent traveling to a clinic and sitting in the waiting room. Also, a video conference call makes it easy for the healthcare professional to ask questions and even do minor visual evaluations. Save time this year by learning about telehealth and remote checkups. 

Discover Insurance Benefits

Healthcare costs can be expensive, which is why most Americans have insurance. The thing about health insurance is that policy documents are long and complex, so it is easy to miss out on potential benefits in your plan. This year, change that gap in your knowledge. Look into your health insurance policy and see what is covered. Often, there are additional perks to leading a healthy lifestyle, such as gym membership reimbursements, that you never would have known about. Perhaps you are an injured veteran, and you did not realize you would be eligible for VA disability benefits, which come in the form of tax-free monthly payments. Whatever type of health insurance you have, go through your policy this year to discover the full scope of benefits you have at your disposal. 

Spend More Time Outside

We will end with one of the most basic strategies for supporting your health in 2024. Time spent outdoors has many benefits for your physical and mental well-being. First, it gets you out of the house to reduce the impact of social isolation. Second, it lets you breathe fresh, unfiltered air that your lungs will be grateful for. Third, it encourages physical activity, which is a staple of human health. And finally, spending time outside can expose you to sunlight, which is great for your skin in moderation, especially for the production of vitamin D. Whatever activity gets you outside more this year is a good thing, whether it is taking more walks, sitting out on the back deck to read, or playing in the yard with your children. 

Make Changes to Prioritize Health This Year

Health does not happen automatically. If you want your mind and body to be in the best condition this year, then you need to take action. In many cases, this means making changes to your routines from the previous year. Maybe you spent a little too much time on social media last year, or you rarely ventured outside. Perhaps you have no idea what is in your health insurance policy, and you think it is not worth looking into. If you want to prioritize your health this year, then it will require stepping outside of your comfort zone and making changes to your routine. Consider the steps laid out above and tackle 2024 head-on when it comes to your wellness.