​As NPR reported recently, “2016 Was A Good Year For Brain Science”.  We are confident that 2017 will be another great year for understanding the brain and helping our patients with brain traumas heal. 
 
Whether you make New Year resolutions or not, most of us agree that the passing of a year and changing of the date is the perfect opportunity to analyze our priorities and focus on the future.  We often think of how good (or bad) the last year was to us, what we accomplished (or didn’t), and who we met, helped, or lost along the way.  Each year, the Nielsen company surveys Americans for their top New Year’s  Resolutions.  Can you guess what the top 5 are?  Not surprisingly, they all fit into the following categories:

Staying fit/healthy
Losing weight
Spend less, save more money
Enjoy life to the fullest
Spend more time with family
 
Even if you are not the type to make resolutions, it’s safe to say that most of us want all these things for ourselves and for our friends and family. All of these things are good for our health, both emotionally and physically, and especially for our brains.
 
If you’re not a new year’s resolution person, check out these easy-to-keep resolutions that are achievable with minimum effort and little-to-no cost!
1. Drink more water
2. Sleep more
3. Sit less and stand more
4. Lighten up—and laugh more
5. Go for a walk
6. Practice kindness
 
For those of us who make resolutions and want to keep them, Neuro Rehab Services offer these tips:

• Be specific.
• Celebrate your successes.  “Hack your brain” and document your gratitude and successes through a Win Journal.
• Find motivation and accountability. Download a free app to help you track, manage, and remind yourself of your goal.  Create a vision board or motivational poster to remind you of your goals.  Tell a friend or family member and ask them to help you be accountable!

 
However you choose to celebrate the New Year—2017—may it be filled with health and happiness!  From your friends at NeuroRehab Services.