Health is a common person’s greatest asset. We have a list of things we want to accomplish, from traveling the world to attending our children’s graduation ceremonies. But, do we do enough to keep ourselves in prime condition to make those dreams come true?
If we are being honest, we spend most of our day glued to screens – whether it’s the television, our laptops, or our phones. And, we don’t get nearly enough physical activity or eat as healthily as we should. It’s time for a change.
Here are some painless and easy ways to improve your health at home:
Get Regularly Screened:
Do you know how many people lose their lives yearly from preventable diseases? The number is staggering. So, why not take charge of your health and get regularly screened? It could save your life.
It would help if you got several screenings depending on your age and health history. But some common ones include screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
While most of us believe that our lifestyle and preferences influence our health, our environment also plays a significant role. Some environmental factors can impact our health, from air quality to the amount of lead in our drinking water.
Aquatic toxins, for instance, can enter our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe without us even knowing. You might be at risk of skin and eye irritations and breathing problems.
Florida is especially susceptible to these dangers because of its extensive coastline and many bodies of water. But there’s help available. A Florida mesothelioma attorney, for instance, can help you if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. But that’s only possible once you’ve been screened and diagnosed.
Aside from taking measures to protect yourself from environmental toxins, you should also take steps to improve indoor air quality. It is imperative to reside in an urban area with high smog levels!
Top Your Essential Nutrients:
The upsized McDonald’s meal might be calling your name, but do you want to stuff the extra calories? Fast food is associated with several health problems, including heart disease and obesity.
Studies reveal that junk food-induced obesity is a growing concern among teenagers. So, before you rush to the nearest fast-food restaurant, take a moment to consider the nutritional value of what you’re about to consume. A cheeseburger has 350 calories, of which only 13.3g is proteins! What a waste! You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble (and money) by having a grilled chicken sandwich with 43.0g of protein. Proteins are essential for cell regeneration, so getting enough of them daily is important. But that’s not your only nutrient concern. Make sure you’re getting enough calcium, too.
You can get your daily portion of calcium from milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Other bare-minimum essential nutrients include:
- Vitamin B12 (for red blood cell formation) – found in eggs, fish, and meat
- Folic acid (for DNA synthesis) – found in leafy green vegetables
- Iron (for hemoglobin production) – found in red meat, dark poultry, and beans
- Fish oil (for cognitive function) – found in, well, fish!
Invest in a quality multivitamin and ensure you get the recommended dose of essential nutrients. You can also include more dark leafy greens, fatty fish, and citrus fruits in your diet.
Move More:
A sedentary lifestyle is a massive health hazard. It increases the risk of lipid disorders, anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems.
Why? Why does sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time have such detrimental effects on our health?
The human body is structured to move, not sit when we sit for long periods, the enzymes that break down fat drop by 90 percent! It makes it hard to lose weight and leads to other health problems. So, get up and move every 30 minutes. Set a timer if you have to!
The good part is that you don’t require a gym membership to get moving. Just 30 minutes of walking can have significant health benefits. Start taking the stairs, or walk around your neighborhood. And if you can, try to get outside for a walk in nature. The fresh air will do you good! And if you’re targeting specific health goals, like weight loss, there are several at-home workout programs you can follow.
Some of the most popular ones include:
- P90x
- Insanity
- Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred
What’s important is to find a program that works for you and stick with it. And don’t forget to warm up before you start working out!
Aside from physical activity, mental and emotional well-being are essential for overall health. Now, grab your yoga mat and sign up for that meditation class you’ve been meaning to try.
Surround Yourself with Positivity:
Now that we discuss mental and emotional well-being let’s peek into the power of positivity.
Positivity has some benefits, including:
- Reduced stress levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved cardiovascular health
- A strengthened immune system
- Increased life satisfaction and happiness
How?
Well, it’s simple. Positivity creates a feedback loop of good vibes. When we surround ourselves with positive people and things, we attract good energy into our lives. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy!
Our brain works on signals. If it receives positive signals, it will respond positively. You can enhance your brain’s response to positivity by practicing gratitude. Gratitude is being thankful for good things in our lives. It’s a simple concept, but it can profoundly impact our well-being.
You can also boost your mood by doing things you enjoy. Make time for hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or take a trip to your favorite place. Moreover, the lighting in your home can affect your mood. So, let in as much natural light as possible and avoid harsh fluorescent lighting. If you rely on Mr. Edison’s invention, try using full-spectrum bulbs. Essential oils like Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Bergamot are also known to boost positivity.
So, diffusing some lavender oil in your home might be the key to a better mood!
Conclusion:
Practicing these simple tips can help you live a healthier life. And who doesn’t want that?
Invest in your health today and see the difference tomorrow. You can also improve your sleep cycle to combat stress and anxiety. Add more plants to your home to boost your mood and create a positive environment.
Don’t forget that you can also get health insurance to help pay for doctor’s visits, medication, and other health-related expenses.
No matter what you do, remember that your health is important. So, take care of yourself and live your best life!