9 habits to improve your overall health and well-being
9 habits that could change your life
Medical professionals are invaluable when it comes to helping people stay ahead of — and prevent — health issues and diseases. Life coaches and dieticians can guide people in the right direction when it comes to healthy habits. Even friends and family can help people progress in their personal health goals. However, at the end of the day, each of us is responsible for our own health and well-being.
That doesn’t mean obtaining health is always easy. When life is particularly busy, it can be hard to break old habits, adopt new ones, and continually pursue our full physical, mental and emotional potential on a daily basis. Fortunately, however, it’s possible. And it may be simpler than you thought. If you’re on a quest to become an all-around healthier person, these nine everyday habits could be your way to success:
- Rethink your food
The first step to improving and maintaining your overall health is to change the way you think about food. There are countless diets out there — some of which work well and some that don’t — but unless your perspective on food is healthy, it’s easy to follow a diet for a while only to eventually revert to your old ways.
Our bodies and minds use nutrients to function well, and food is our primary source of those nutrients. Rather than eating solely because of flavor or convenience, think of what nutrition you are providing yourself with each meal. Remember, your brain has to have a delicate balance of fuel to function. Eating well — which often boils down to not eating processed and sugary foods — may even stave off depression. Before long, you might find yourself craving healthier foods because your mind and body feel better when you eat them.
If you discover that you’re having difficulty eating healthy foods, you can always get in touch with a freelance dietician who can help you put together an incredible menu and a game plan that you can stick to for the long haul.
- Prioritize exercise
Exercise is another key factor in obtaining all-around health and well-being. Not only does regular exercise reduce the risks of chronic diseases, but it also plays an important role in how you feel each day. It strengthens your muscles and bones, improves your cardiovascular system, reduces stress and anxiety, boosts self-confidence, decreases depression symptoms and much more. Find a type of exercise that fits your needs and personality, and create a routine where you do it five or more times a week.
- Take multivitamins
Even when you’re conscious of your diet and you exercise regularly, it’s important to take supplements. This is because supplements, such as multivitamins, work to fill any nutrient gaps in your diet. Also, multivitamins come with other benefits, including:
- More energy
- Better gut health
- Healthier skin, bones, nails, hair, eyes, and teeth
- Happier mood
- Improved immune and digestive systems
Failure to get the right combination of vitamins can lead to fatigue, dizziness, weight loss or weight gain, and mental confusion. A vitamin supplement, along with eating fruits and veggies, can put you back on track.
- Get plenty of sleep
Along with diet, exercise and supplements, getting the sleep your body and mind needs is key. A lot of people neglect their sleep amid busy lives, but this ultimately backfires and can make you less productive. Sleep is how you recover from the events of the day and regenerate for the next day. So when you don’t get enough sleep, you’re cheating yourself and hurting your productivity. If you prioritize a good night’s rest, you will not only be fostering your overall health, you’ll also be setting yourself up to live at full potential. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try out some helpful sleep apps like Headspace and Slumber.
- Visit the doc or a specialist you trust
One of the most practical ways to get healthy and stay healthy is to schedule doctor appointments and show up to them. Regular check-ups help you to stay out in front of potential health conditions or diseases through exams, screenings, and evaluations. That way, if the doctor finds an issue, you can take the necessary steps to prevent or treat the issue earlier — rather than later — in the process. It’s also recommended that you address your spine health; get in touch with Spirohealth to make an appointment.
- Make time for rest and relaxation
While you’re busy making self-improvements, it’s essential that you take the time to relax so that you can de-stress and keep a healthy perspective on life. Carve out a place in your schedule each week to do an activity you enjoy. It could be playing a round of golf, picking back up a childhood hobby, or any other number of relaxing activities. No matter what it is, don’t wait for there to be time. You have to make the time.
- Do something outdoors
Getting outside can do wonders for your physical, mental and emotional health. The sun is a great source of vitamin D, and spending 30 minutes or so each day in nature can reduce depression symptoms and improve many aspects of your health, such as:
- Blood pressure
- Mood
- Cognitive function
- Immune system
- Sleep
- Stop overcommitting
This is one of the hardest tips on the list to fulfill, but it’s crucial: learn how to say no to people. Chances are that your life is busy even before you say yes to that next thing that comes up. Maybe your boss wants you to work overtime again this weekend. Maybe some friends invited you to hit the town on Friday, a family member has asked you to host a birthday party, or you’ve been recruited to volunteer at a community charity event. There’s nothing wrong with doing any of these activities, but sometimes you need to re-evaluate how you’re spending your time and make sure you’re prioritizing your health and well-being.
- Optimize your living space
Last, but not least, make sure your home is a feel-good environment. This means checking for negative energy in the home, because if left unchecked, it can result in poorer health. One of the best things you can do to remove bad energy from the home is declutter. Keep the home clean by regularly organizing your living spaces and getting rid of anything you don’t want or need. If you need a little extra help, check out some decluttering apps like Evernote and CamScanner. Last but not least, Spirohealth recommends checking the quality of your indoor air and taking steps to make improvements if necessary.
No matter how busy you are, you can work daily habits into your life that foster your all-around health and well-being. Remember to change how you think about food, develop a consistent exercise routine, and look into multivitamins that could complete your nutrition. Also, prioritize sleep in your life, go to the doctor for check-ups, and carve out time for relaxation. Finally, try to spend time outdoors, be careful with your commitments, and keep your home organized.