Maintaining good health is essential to help live a long and fulfilling life. It involves having both the absence of illness as well as having high levels of physical, mental and emotional health. We as a society tend to neglect the physical health that we have but fail to take a whole approach to looking after our overall well-being. There are many reasons why taking care of one's health should be at the forefront of our priorities, as well as some simple yet effective ways to improve our health.
Why Health Matters
Good health is the foundation of everything in our life. It affects all aspects of our lives including our energy levels, mood, productivity, relationships and quality of life. When we are in good health we are able to take part in all the activities within our environment, pursue our passions in life and enjoy all that life has on offer to us. On the other hand failing to look after our health leads to a wide range of health problems that can range from chronic illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure to mental health problems such as stress and anxiety.
Areas to Focus On
1. **Nutrition**
What we eat is of utmost importance in maintaining our overall health. A balanced diet is key and includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. The nutrients that are of great importance are vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which support the functioning of the body's immune system, your energy cycle and mood. Similarly to the avoidance of processed foods, excessive sugars and unhealthy fats can also help prevent the likelihood of becoming obese as well as the risk of heart disease being present in the human body.
**Tip:** Ensure that you stay attuned to tasting whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible. Ensure that your meals are filled with an even variety of fruits, vegetables and grains to provide all of the key macronutrients that are essential.
3. Exercise**
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve health, and exercise has a number of benefits which include the ability to manage weight effectively, strengthen the cardiovascular system thereby improving the flexibility of your joints, and improve your mood by raising your overall spirits; however, it reduces the risk of suffering from many chronic health conditions. Whether it is walking, running, swimming or performing strength training there are a multitude of forms of exercise available which enable you to find a form of exercise to perform that you enjoy; this is the key to sustaining the continued adherence to an exercise program.
**Important:** Aim for at least thirty minutes of moderate daily physical activity most days of the week; however it will be beneficial to engage in activities that you enjoy to help with the sustainability of this approach. It is also essential to know that even with a small amount of exercise it is beneficial to your health!
3. Mental Health
Good mental health is just as important as physical health. Managing stress, anxiety and emotions will have a very strong impact on your overall well-being, resulting in a huge improvement. Practicing mindfulness, meditation or breathing exercises allows you to remain grounded to prevent further suffering of mental health. Furthermore it is important to look after your health; therefore spend time with loved ones and when necessary seek professional therapeutic help which helps sustain a healthy state of mind.
Tip: Spend some time each day reflecting on your state of mind. Do you feel either stressed, overwhelmed or in a depressed state of mind? You should either talk to someone whom you regularly talk to in your everyday life for advice or consider writing down your feelings in a journal in an effort to process your emotions.
Sleep is your body’s means of recharging itself. Consistently obtaining quality sleep is absolutely essential to the maintenance of your physical health, mental clarity and overall emotional wellness. Lack of sleep will invariably lead to a weakened immune system, poor decision-making abilities and higher levels of stress within the body. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine.
**Tip:** Try to create a bedtime ritual to quickly facilitate a complete mental state, such as reading, taking a warm bath or choosing a topic you wish to listen to while engaging in soothing music. Above all quietness in your bedroom is essential for ensuring a good night's sleep and the bedroom should be cool, dark and quiet to enjoy optimal quality of rest that will enable the sleeper to get a good night's sleep.
5. **Hydration**
Water is essential for nearly every bodily function whether it is involved in digestion or in the regulation of body temperature. Dehydration can lead to the emergence of headaches, fatigue and cognitive function being compromised. It is strongly recommended to ensure that at least 8 glasses of water are drunk daily; however if the individual is more physically active then it is normal to drink at least 10 glasses per day.
**Tip:** Carry a water bottle around with you during the day to always remind yourself to drink enough water. If plain water is not the drink that you like then add a slice of lemon, cucumber or a couple of mint leaves to add a pleasant taste to the drink.
6. **Preventive Health Care**
Taking care of your health also equates to being proactive in finding ways to prevent illness from occurring. Annual check-ups, screenings and frequent vaccinations are all essential strategies for a family doctor to detect if an underlying health issue is present prior to serious illness forming. Regular visits to the doctor's office as well as necessary tests are essential for prompt evaluation of an underlying condition and allow early treatment to be provided if necessary before becoming a serious issue.
Tip: Keep a record of all important and regularly scheduled health-related appointments and ensure that they are booked in advance. Being on top of regular health check-ups will ensure that you have no issues arise further down the line in terms of illness and health problems.
Building Healthy Habits
Change a healthy lifestyle into a simpler one that can be achieved without difficulty. Start by setting small goals that can be achieved, and slowly build these moving targets into a more routine structure over time. As an example, look to swap out sugary snacks for products that are healthier, by aiming to take a 10-minute walk every single day. In time the small changes that are being made by this structure will create a routine that fits into your daily life, this will in turn allow you to make a positive improvement to your health in a more permanent manner.