Health has dominated the news headlines for well over a year now, and many of us are keen to be more proactive in preventing health issues and taking better care of ourselves. If you’re looking for simple, actionable steps to boost your physical and mental health, here are some golden rules to follow.
Try to move more
Exercise is one of the most effective remedies for enhanced mental and physical wellbeing. Many people automatically conjure up images of the gym when they think about exercise, but in truth, there are myriad ways you can embrace a more active lifestyle. If you don’t like the idea of running on a treadmill or lifting weights, or you don’t feel confident working out around others, there are several activities to try. Simple things like walking every day or going for a bike ride or a swim after work can make all the difference. You can also explore the great outdoors, meet new friends or learn new skills by taking up sports, joining classes or discovering new hobbies. From dancing and playing golf to trampolining, doing yoga or going to spin classes, there are endless ways to get fit and have fun. Try to get into the habit of being active every day, even if you only have 20 minutes or half an hour to go for a brisk walk. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
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Take advice from medical professionals on board
If you have underlying health issues, or you have concerns about changes in your health, it is essential to take advice from medical professionals on board and keep up to date with checks, tests and follow-up appointments. In some cases, there will be a straightforward cure and symptoms will disappear quickly, but in others, for example, chronic illnesses, you will need to monitor your symptoms carefully and attend regular appointments. If you have a condition such as diabetes, there are risks of complications and your doctors will advise you to have frequent checks to make sure that everything is under control. Diabetes can affect your vision and hearing, your circulation, your kidney health and your risk of developing heart disease. You can learn more about diabetes and hearing loss online, and your care team will explain potential complications and treatments and therapies to you. Whatever your health status, it is always beneficial to seek advice if you are worried about your health and to listen to the skilled, trained professionals looking after you.
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Prioritize mental health
Many of us think about our physical health when we discuss the subject of health, but our minds are as important as our bodies. Physical and mental health are linked, and many of the steps you take to prevent physiological issues can also reduce risks associated with mental illnesses. Examples include regular exercise, getting enough sleep and managing stress. It is also helpful to understand the importance of shielding and nourishing your mental health. Devote time to hobbies you love and socializing with people who make you feel good, take a break if you feel tired or overwhelmed, try to talk to people if you feel down, upset, anxious or frustrated and give yourself time to rest and recover. Reach out if you are finding life tough and don’t put yourself under too much pressure. Nobody is perfect.
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Focus on nutrition when talking about diet
The word diet has become synonymous with losing weight. While it can often be beneficial to lose weight if your BMI is too high, the most important factor when choosing what to eat should be nutrition. Your body relies on you to provide it with nutrients. Your diet should be healthy and balanced to ensure that your body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Plan weekly menus with nutrition in mind. Look to increase your intake of fruit and vegetables, buy whole grain foods instead of white bread and pasta, moderate your intake of sugar, salt and saturated fats and vary your menu. It’s a good idea to use a food diary to analyze nutrition and see how you are doing in terms of hitting the recommended daily intake of key nutrients. Logging meals can help you identify areas for improvement, for example, increasing your intake of fiber and cutting down on sugar.
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Many of us are trying to adopt healthier lifestyles and devote more time to looking after ourselves. It’s not always possible to avoid illnesses and infections, but there are ways you can boost health and wellbeing. Try to move more and be more active, listen to medical professionals and take their advice on board and seek help if you’re worried about your health. Prioritize both physical and mental wellbeing and take steps to ensure your diet is balanced and nutritious.
Thank you for reading!