Press Release: January Issue
Contact:
Nancy Riens
The YMCA of Klamath Falls
541.884.4149
nancy.riens@kfallsymca.org
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW: Change your habits, change your health.
The start of the new year is a great time to look at your current habits. Are there any habits you currently have that can be tweaked to turn them into healthy habits? We’re happy to share at least four healthy habits you can begin today to ensure your 2024 is off to a great start!
Stop hitting snooze. Snooze, sleep, repeat. Studies have shown that the fight against getting out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off has a negative effect on your health. Instead of reaching for that snooze button, let’s make it a habit to get up and get a productive start to your day.
Y Tip: Try placing your phone or alarm clock on the other side of the room before bed at night. You will physically have to get out of bed to turn off your alarm, meaning you are already in an upright position once you turn that pesky alarm off. Plus, pausing snooze gives you more time to enjoy a longer morning routine, which could consist of healthy habits like exercise or mindfulness activities. This could make extra time for an early morning sweat session at the Y!
Skip the sugar. We get it – that caffeinated soft drink or large sugar-filled latte sure sounds like a good pick-me-up when the mid-afternoon slump rolls around. However, cutting out these sweet treats and replacing them with water can improve your daily sugar and calorie intake. When this happens, you lower your chances of weight gain and other issues like high blood pressure. Take the plunge and swap those sugary beverages for water.
Y Tip: Try adding fruit to your water if you’re missing the sweetness of sugary drinks. It will add a hint of flavor without any added sugar. Strawberries, lemons, and cucumbers are some examples of fun additions to make your water more flavorful. Get creative!
Find new moves. If you are starting to dread your workouts, then maybe it’s time to switch them up. Getting stuck in a workout rut can lead you to plateauing or quitting your routine altogether. If you’re starting to roll your eyes at the thought of lacing up your sneakers, we encourage you to try a new group exercise class or workout format than that you’re used to.
Y Tip: Did you know that the YMCA of Klamath Falls has over a dozen group exercise classes to choose from? From low-impact to Personal Training offerings, check out our group exercise calendar or meet with one of our certified personal trainers to explore your options. Go with a format you’ve never tried before or are unfamiliar with – you may find your new favorite and reignite your passion for exercise!
No nightly scrolling. It may be one of the most challenging habits to break – lying in bed, the comfort of the blue glow on your face as you scroll mindlessly through the internet. Studies show that looking at your phone before snoozing can negatively affect sleep quality. Since sleep is just as crucial for your health as any other activity, we suggest powering down your device and allowing the sandman to do his job naturally.
Y Tip: Choose nighttime activities promoting sleep, like meditation or relaxation techniques. You will thank yourself in the morning!
To learn more about the YMCA of Klamath Falls, contact the Y at 541.884.4149 or www.kfallsymca.org
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the Y aims to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment, and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at kfallsymca.org
