Health is wealth, as the famous proverb goes. Looking after your health and wellbeing can have significant knock-on effects on other areas of your life. Relationships, careers, hobbies and many other aspects have some reliance on your health.
Making healthy changes to your lifestyle can bring about positive impacts on your wellbeing. Building good habits is the best approach to sustainable health – consistency is all it takes!
Here’s how to improve your health if you’re ready to make some changes.
Exercise regularly
Our bodies need movement to stay fit and healthy. A long-term lack of exercise can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and premature death in later life. In the short term, not being physically active can make you more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Ideally, you should be active every day, but guidelines suggest you should try to aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week.
There are plenty of options including walking, jogging, cycling, weight training and martial arts. Find one that you enjoy and it will come more naturally to you!
Eat well and stay hydrated
Your diet is equally as important as exercise. Eating a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, gives your body the nutrients and food groups it needs to function properly.
Everything in moderation is always a good strategy, so it’s alright to have some cheat foods here and there!
Hydration is crucial because our bodies are made up of roughly 60% water. We lose water throughout the day through a variety of bodily functions. So, drinking enough water ensures that we replace lost fluids that our bodies need.
Get good quality sleep
A good night’s sleep is more powerful than you may realise. It’s crucial to help our brains rest and recuperate and helps us to concentrate during the day.
It’s widely recommended that adults aim for between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, but finding what works best for you is the best approach.
Avoiding blue light, which comes from devices like mobile phones, before bedtime is a good idea to prepare your body for rest and improve your sleep quality.
Protect your teeth
You only get one set of teeth as an adult, and regular trips to the dentist can be costly. Looking after your teeth may seem more of an annoyance in the short term, but the long-term benefits can be significant.
Brush twice a day, use antibacterial mouthwash and avoid eating or drinking excessive amounts of sugar. Flossing is recommended, although some people find it difficult.
A water flosser with whitening capabilities is an alternative, if you don’t like the thought of string floss.
Look after your mental health
Just as you should look after your physical health, your mental health can have an equally big impact on your life. Many of the physical elements listed above should serve to protect it, but other actions can be beneficial.
Maintain healthy relationships with family and friends, give yourself a purpose and don’t be afraid to talk to your loved ones if you’re struggling.
Opening up can take a massive weight off your shoulders and give you new perspectives on ideas and thoughts that have been on your mind.