Dr. Randi’s World: Wellness Goals For The New Year From Harlem To Harare

By Dr. Randi Nelson

Whew! Here we are at the end of another year. The past 22 months have been the most trying that this generation has ever experienced, and we are still not out of the woods. We are in the midst of another variant of COVID-19 that is sweeping the world at lightning speed, are experiencing inflation at a rate not seen since 1984 reports Trading Economics and the list goes on.

However, despite all that is going on in and around our world, we must stay mindful and protect our being. Here are 5 wellness goals to establish in the areas of mental, spiritual, financial, and physical health in the new year.

Mental

In this 24-hour news cycle, it is very easy to go down a rabbit hole that constantly keeps you immersed in the latest breaking news. Being exposed at this degree can induce anxiety, worry, and stress which can all have a negative effect on your physical health. Stress can induce insomnia and gastrointestinal ailments such as abdominal pain and ulcers.

Chronic stress can result in depression.  It’s okay to watch the news to stay informed however incorporate social media and news breaks on a regular basis. When I do watch television, I find myself watching movies or documentaries – basically anything other than the news.  And I enjoy the deviation.

Spiritual

Another way to protect your mental health is to nurture your spirituality. According to  Louise Delagran, MA, MEd of  Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, Spirituality “is about seeking a meaningful connection with something bigger than yourself, which can result in positive emotions, such as peace, awe, contentment, gratitude, and acceptance.” With all the craziness in the world, I personally take comfort in knowing that there is a being (for me it is GOD, for you it may be something else) greater than myself.

The way I nurture my spirituality is to meditate and pray. Some of the benefits of mediation and praying include stress reduction, a more positive mindset, and attitude. It’s a great way to counter the negativity that constantly bombards us on a daily basis.

Related: More articles by Dr. Randie Nelson.

Financial

2022 is the time to take a hold of your finances. The past two years showed us the importance of being financially healthy. The pandemic upended the finances of many families. In the new year, figure out where you stand financially. Take a hard look at your debt, assets, expenses, and your financial goals.

If you want to learn more about cryptocurrency or NFT (non-fungible token or an individual digital item), take a workshop, read books, or blogs, and articles on the topic. Increase your financial education to decrease financial stress, and increase your confidence which in turn will increase your financial well-being.

Physical

Taking care of your temple i.e. your body is extremely important. This year make a commitment to eat healthier. You can start by making home-cooked meals which in general are healthier than fast or processed food and can be more budget-friendly.

You can also control ingredients such as salt, sugar, and fat. Commit to more exercise – about 30 to 60 minutes per day. Commit to getting more sleep. On average, adults should get 7 to 9 hours per night. Restful sleep results in greater heart health, less stress, and greater productivity.

It also allows the body to repair itself from the effects of stress and other environmental exposures.

Incorporating these steps along with others will enhance your overall well-being in the year 2022.

Dr. Randi Nelson. She worked 14 years in investment banking before deciding to “give back to the community.” Dr. Nelson earned an Accounting degree from the State University in Buffalo, and an MBA from Hofstra University, an M.D. degree from Stony Brook in Medicine. Her residency at Jacobi Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the BX. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a recipient of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Award. Dr.  Nelson was born and works in Brooklyn. You can follow Dr. Randi on all social media @DrRandiBMD or her website www.DrRandiBMD.com