We all know that in order to live a long, happy life, we have to take good care of our minds and bodies. But contrary to what you might think, doing so does not necessarily have to involve making massive, life-changing adjustments. In fact, it’s the little things you barely even think about — getting a good night’s rest, taking your vitamins and spending time with loved ones, for example — that have the most powerful cumulative effect. Here are some simple things you can do to boost your health without a ton of effort or money.
1. Get the Right Amount of Sleep
If you’re one of the millions of people in the world who struggle with sleep issues, they may be to blame for a litany of other health problems, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease and mood disorders. That’s why it’s absolutely crucial that you get your recommended daily amount of sleep each and every night (that’s 7 or more hours per night for adults, according to the CDC). If you struggle with insomnia or other sleep struggles, the experts recommend trying a melatonin supplement or using weighted blankets for sleep improvement.
2. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Getting the right amount of sleep and staying on a good schedule is crucial to helping your body perform all of its core functions, from breathing and eating to processing emotions and focusing at work. To ensure that you’re on a healthy routine, be sure to practice good hygiene by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day and putting the phone down before bedtime. Environment is important, too, so be sure to invest in some quality bedding and keep your space at the ideal temperature.
3. Floss Every Day
We all know that good oral health is tied to higher self-esteem, better breath and lower dental bills down the road, but did you know that it may actually help prevent more serious issues as well? Indeed, the experts have tied gum disease and poor oral health with cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that the bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the blood vessels, which may lead to heart disease or stroke. That means that brushing, flossing and regularly visiting your dentist will help ensure that you live a longer, happier life.
4. Wear Sunscreen
You’ve heard it so many times that it almost sounds cliché, but the truth is that slathering on the sunblock is an excellent way to help reduce your cancer risk throughout life. The experts say you should protect yourself year-round, not only with a high-quality SPF, but also with clothing, hats and eyewear that help shield you from potentially harmful UV rays.
Source: TierneyMJ/Shutterstock.com
5. Drink More Water
Staying properly hydrated is one of the most important yet often-overlooked components of good health. Drinking the right amount of water seems easy enough, but the problem is that most people don’t even realize they’re dehydrated until it’s too late. For the best results, make sure you’re getting your recommended daily amount of water each and every day, sipping constantly even if you don’t necessarily feel thirsty.
6. Spend Time with Friends
As research advances and we learn more and more about human physiology, one thing has become abundantly clear: stress has a massive impact on our overall health, leading to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mood disorders. Anything you can do to reduce stress in your life will ultimately have a great impact on your overall health. One of the simplest ways to get the cortisol down is to spend quality time with your friends, whether that be going to dinner, taking a long walk or watching TV together. Taking a vacation and spending time with animals can help, too.
7. Get Your Daily Dose of Exercise
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Getting your daily movement not only helps prevent obesity — which is linked to diabetes, cancer and heart disease, among other issues — but it also helps prevent injury and discomfort later in life. You should make sure you’re getting the appropriate mix of heart-healthy activity and strength training.
8. Take Your Vitamins
The fact of the matter is that, although we all try to eat healthy, it’s nearly impossible to perfectly optimize our diets so that we feel our best. And though vitamins and supplements can’t replace the value of whole foods, they can help you get the nutrients you may be missing in your diet. Vitamins and supplements can be particularly useful in balancing general nutrition and may also be a great way to support your digestive health and get better sleep. Talk to your doctor about which supplements are best for you.
9. Get Outside More Often
Whether it be going for a scenic hike in the woods, hopping on the back of a horse or taking a swim at the local lake, the results are the same: time spent outdoors makes you happier, healthier and more likely to live longer. The combination of fresh air — which is believed to boost mood and help regulate emotions — coupled with a bit of exercise is a recipe for success both in the immediate and the long-term.
Source: Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock.com
10. See the Doctor Regularly
Last but not least, make sure you’re sticking to your regularly scheduled checkups with all your medical professionals. As you age, your doctors will ensure that you have the proper screenings and are showing all the signs of good health. On top of that, they will be able to provide you with all the resources you need to stay on track to not only achieve, but also maintain, good health throughout your life.
Good health does not come with one big, sweeping gesture. On the contrary! It happens over time as a result of many small but meaningful changes. And if you’re on the quest for good health, you might be surprised to find out just how much making a few minor adjustments can do for your mental and physical well-being. Follow these tips to set yourself off on the right foot.
Ft. Img : Ann Blazic Pavlovic/Shutterstock.com
Great blog and thanks for sharing all this information. In this era of stress and tension, hectic lifestyle and wrong food choices affecting our health, this blog is very helpful and useful.