We all know someone proudly declaring “new year, new me” come the first hour of the new year and it’s hard to escape the inevitable fitness posts plastered across social media. But suddenly starting a new fitness regime is no easy task and seeing others smash it so effortlessly can make us doubt ourselves. At Phlo we’ve got your back and we’re here to help ease you into a healthier and more focused 2023.  

It’s the perfect time of year to give your body & mind a thorough once over and ensure you’re running at peak performance when the post-festive fun dip hits. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve listed our top health & wellness actions you can ease yourself into.

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Talk to your GP

Start off by finding out how your body is doing. Do this is by making an appointment with your GP and asking for a full physical check-up and a blood test. This gives you the chance to discuss any health concerns and for your GP to get a full picture of your overall health. A FBC (Full Blood Count) test will check your red and white blood cells, as well as measure your platelet count, haemoglobin levels and other key areas such as any potential vitamin deficiencies.

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Review your daily medications

If you’re taking any long-term prescribed and over the counter medication, it’s a good time to review whether you still need them or if the dosages need adjusting. Talking to your GP about your daily regime is the best place to start. They’ll be able to share their views and provide a professional in-depth report of your health and medication. Remember, whilst you should always feel empowered to make the right health choices for yourself, consulting your GP for an unbiased view should be part of your informed decision-making process.  

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Assess your fitness levels

Daylight hours are shorter at this time of year, but there’s still nothing better than getting outside and getting active. Before you switch up your regime, it’s a good idea to get a fitness assessment. See your health provider or local fitness centre to get a physical fitness assessment. This will assess your physical fitness levels and will also review your dietary and hydration habits. If you’re already a member of a gym or are thinking about joining one, you might be able to get this done for free.  

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Top up your mental resilience

Mental health is of equal importance as physical health. A range of factors can affect your metal wellness, from biological to environmental. What’s important is ensuring you take time to understand your overall mental wellness, look out for triggers and work on strategies for when things get tough. Do some online research from recognised sources and if it feels worthwhile, book a 1:1 session with a therapist to explore your mental wellness further. It’s as simple as having a chat where you set the boundaries.  

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Connect and disconnect

Social interactions are a great tonic for many people and for others the key to a balanced lifestyle is disconnecting from a hectic social life. You’ll know whether you identify closer to an extrovert or an introvert – or somewhere in between! It doesn’t matter which, but what’s important is doing what’s right for you as an individual.  

If you’ve tried any of our top wellness actions, we’d love to hear about your experiences. We’re creating a community of wellness that nourishes and supports each other. If you’re comfortable, please leave a comment on our social channels or email us in confidence.

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Useful resources

Every Mind Matters – wellbeing tips from the NHS

Better Health – NHS resources

Bupa – getting started with exercise

Nuffield Health – get a fitness assessment near you

If you have any questions about the best way to kick-start your 2023 health & wellness MOT, get in touch with our friendly pharmacy team who can offer you advice and guidance.