Another year means another resolution

Improve your health... not only physically, but mentally

Improve your health... not only physically, but mentally
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Now that the holidays are behind us, it's time to kick into your New Year's resolution! …so does 1) "eat healthier" and 2) "exercise more" look familiar? I'm sure it has been on your New Year's resolution list for the last couple years. Especially the older we get. In fact, almost a third of all Americans who make New Year's Resolutions circle around eating habits, losing weight, and exercise! And according to a recent study as few as 8% actually will accomplish their New Year's Resolution. The study says to be successful, motivation for a change has to come from personal desire. So, when you sit down to review your resolutions of ultimately being a healthier person overall and how you are going to get there, keep in mind your mental health is just as important (if not more) as your physical. So important, you should want to make sure you get your mind right before getting your body on point!

Mental and physical health have recently been the center of health insurance marketing campaigns. Most recently, a health insurance company has pumped out a ton of commercials with TV celebrities, encouraging people to take care of their health. Their website not only talks about dietary dangers, but mental health and self-improvement. National Alliance of Mental Illness, over 40 million US adults will experience a mental illness in a year. There are so many mental stressors that can affect your mental health, that's why it is so important to take note of these few simple ideas.

1) Meditate- Whether it's 1 minute or 1 hour, give yourself some "me" time to close your eyes and relax. Research shows how meditation can reduce your stress levels.

2) Sleep- Make sure to get 7-8 hours of good sleep a night. "The top way to improve sleep is to have a consistent bed time and awake time," says Patricia Thornton, a psychologist in New York City. "Don't sleep in on weekends. Don't try to catch up on sleep with naps." You should strive for a consistent seven to eight hours a night. "That will go a long way to helping people feel better," she explains.

3) Stretch- Keep young! Regular stretching improves your health, while protecting you from aches, pains, and strains you would potentially if you didn't stretch!

4) Relax and get off your phone- Become more aware of your surroundings and be present!

  • Don't go down a rabbit hole getting caught up in social media
  • Work emails can just add stress also
  • So if you are going to be on your phone, do get "brain" apps. There are all kind of brain training games you can download, that will help your brain stay alert and be active.

5) Physical health – Tons of research prove that exercise is good for mental health. 30 minutes of exercise a day can also help lower the risk of depression. Remember to start at your own pace, whether it is walking, or speed walking, whatever it is. And make sure that it is a goal that is attainable and desired to achieve.

Last, don't forget to love yourself, and put YOU first. :)

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The Texans will look to get back on track this Sunday against the Colts. Composite Getty Image.

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are looking for answers after their passing game couldn’t get going in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Houston’s passing attack had been a strength all season, and the Texans ranked fifth in yards passing per game through their first six games. But on Sunday at Lambeau Field, Stroud was limited to a career-low 86 yards in the 24-22 loss, which snapped a three-game winning streak.

Stroud was 10 of 21 and didn’t have a touchdown pass for the first time this season. The second-year player was under duress for much of the day and was sacked four times and hit seven other times.

“We have to go back to the drawing board and see what those issues were,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “As we watch the film, we’ll see what happened, starting for me the communication and just guys being on the details of the job.”

The Texans scored a season-high 41 points in a win over New England a week earlier in which Stroud threw a season-best three touchdown passes despite being without star receiver Nico Collins.

They were unable to replicate that success Sunday with Collins out for the second of at least four games after a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve.

Stefon Diggs led the team with five receptions against the Packers, but they only amounted to 23 yards. Tank Dell, who the Texans expected to step up with Collins out, was targeted four times but didn’t have a catch.

Stroud discussed the importance of getting Dell more involved in the offense.

“We have to find a way to try and get him the rock early and often and then go from there,” he said. “It has to be a focus for us, not only just him, but the whole offense clicking early. That is really my job to get the ball out on time and to where it is supposed to go. So yeah, that definitely has to be fixed.”

Ryans spoke about his confidence is getting Dell going.

What's working

The Texans have forced seven turnovers combined in their last two games after they hadn’t caused any in their previous three games.

Houston scored 16 points off three turnovers Sunday. The Texans had two interceptions and recovered a fumble on a punt. In their win over the Patriots, they scored 17 points off a season-high four turnovers.

What needs help

The Texans won’t get to where they want to be this season if Stroud doesn’t get back on track. Before Sunday, last year’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year was averaging more than 262 yards passing a game, giving the team confidence that the problems in the passing game are fixable.

Ryans knows the line must give Stroud more time to throw and said the coaching staff will focus on improving in that area this week.

Stock up

RB Joe Mixon continued to shine Sunday in his second game back after missing three games with an ankle injury. Mixon, who is in his first season in Houston after a trade from Cincinnati, had 25 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay.

Mixon is confident the Texans will rebound this week if they quit making mistakes.

“Does it look I’m worried? I’m not worried at all,” he said. “Like I said, we got a ... good football team. At the end of the day, we are our own worst enemy.”

Stock down

Dell was unable to help Stroud get the passing game going. The second-year player had a solid rookie season with 709 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in 11 games before breaking his leg. But he hasn’t been able to build on that success this year and has just 194 yards receiving with one score in six games.

Injuries

LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), LB Henry To’oTo’o (concussion), CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and S Jimmie Ward (groin) all missed Sunday’s game and it’s unclear if any of these starters can return this week.

Key number

3 — Safety Calen Bullock had his third interception Sunday to tie Dunta Robinson and Jumal Rolle for most interceptions by a rookie in franchise history through the first seven games. He leads NFL rookies in interceptions this season and is tied for third-most among all players.

Next steps

The AFC South-leading Texans (5-2) return to division play Sunday when they host the second-place Colts (4-3), who have won two in a row and four of five.

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