Kickstart the New Year: Balancing Your Health with the Health Triangle

Your 2024 Health Goals: Balancing the Triangle for a Better You  

As the new year approach­es, it’s a good time to estab­lish new goals for our­selves. When choos­ing a res­o­lu­tion to ben­e­fit or improve your health, it is rec­om­mend­ed you keep the health tri­an­gle in mind. The World Health Orga­ni­za­tion (WHO)¹ defines health as the bal­ance of men­tal, phys­i­cal and social health, also known as the health tri­an­gle. Hav­ing a good bal­ance in all three areas is essen­tial to liv­ing a healthy lifestyle. 

In the following section, Dr. Sally Salman, an Internal Medicine specialist, breaks down the components of the health triangle. This information is designed to help you pinpoint the areas where your health resolutions should be directed for the new year.

Mental Health

Experiencing anxiety and stress is a normal part of life for many individuals. The way you handle challenging situations and setbacks often reflects the need for a stronger focus on mental health within the health triangle. Issues with mental health can ripple into your physical and social well-being, sometimes resulting in isolation and intense exhaustion. Professional support may be valuable if you find yourself struggling with stress and anxiety or needing assistance with emotional management.

Consider the following resolutions to enhance your mental health:

Schedule regular therapy or counseling sessions: Regular appointments can provide ongoing support and guidance.

Start a gratitude journal: Keeping track of positive aspects in your life can help shift focus away from stress.

Practice mindfulness techniques: Engaging in mindfulness can be helpful when dealing with anxiety.

Find a relaxing hobby: Activities such as exercising or painting can serve as effective outlets for reducing anxiety.

Physical Health

Good physical health involves several key practices. Regular yearly check-ups and screenings are essential, as is engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Maintaining a healthy body weight is another important aspect that healthcare professionals use to assess your physical health.

Here are some resolutions to consider for improving your physical health:

Join a workout class or exercise regularly: Participating in physical activities can help you stay fit.

Limit alcohol consumption: Try to restrict your intake to one or two drinks per week.

Increase vegetable intake: Add an extra serving of vegetables to your daily diet.

Schedule routine health appointments: Ensure you book all necessary check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations for the year.

Social Health

Social health is about your ease and confidence in social settings. Those with strong social health feel comfortable participating in conversations and adapting to new situations. Building and maintaining friendships also plays a significant role in this aspect of well-being.

To improve your social health, you might consider the following resolutions:

Volunteer monthly: Dedicate time each month to support a cause or organization you care about.

Engage in brief conversations: Initiate small talk with your neighbors when you see them.

Connect with new people: Make an effort to meet someone new each month.

Stay in touch with friends: Commit to calling a friend weekly to keep your relationships strong.

Before setting any health-related goals, it’s a good idea to consult with your medical professional.