The desire for health is the one dream that affects us all. Unfortunately, obtaining and keeping it seems out of reach or even impossible to many. It all starts with a good foundation of general health. There are some things that anyone can, and should, do to lasso that dream once and for all. These things do not have to be complicated or expensive. I always say, “Focus on what you can do and not what you can’t.” I live by this motto daily and remember that I don’t have to be perfect to have good health, I just have to put energy there.
Stay Fit
In today’s vanity-filled climate, one of the main reasons that people stay fit is to be slim and to look good. However, truth be told, I’ve found that looks are not a good enough motivation to make fitness a lifestyle. It’s too easy to slip back into old habits once you reach your weight loss goal. Consider a big why when challenging yourself to a fitness program. What are your goals? Why do you need to stay fit? Try to motivate yourself with things like, “It makes me feel good” or “I lower my risk of heart disease” or “I want to live a long life.” Do you see the difference? You are less likely to give up the plan if you have a damn good reason to keep going. Getting back into fitness can feel like a daunting task. But, once you get into a routine, you will find that your body craves regular exercise.
Healthful Diet
Regular physical exercise is so crucial, but it’s not everything. Eating a clean diet full of raw fruits and veggies, healthy fats and proteins, and foods that give you the nutrients your body needs is the primary way you can gain your health. Again, you don’t have to be perfect but find a way to make better choices throughout your day. If structure helps you to stay on track, plan your meals at the beginning of the week and plan to treat yourself on special days. There is so much information in books and on the Internet about what foods are the most nutrient rich and which ones are the most healing. That said, educate yourself about the kind of eating plan will work for your body and for your lifestyle.
Hydration
Arguably, the most important aspect is to stay well hydrated at all times. Our bodies are comprised of roughly two-thirds water. Failure to replenish lost liquid negatively impacts our organs, skin, brain function, and many other body systems. I follow an easy plan for water consumption. We should all be drinking half of our body weight in ounces of clean water a day. And, if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Keep a large bottle with you at all times. Know how many times you must fill it up to reach your daily goal.
Manage Conditions
Millions of people deal with diseases and conditions at least for part of their lives. Obviously, some are more serious than others. But, regardless of the severity, it’s imperative that you understand and maintain proper care for all things that affect your body. Proper care and management can reduce the impact the condition has both immediately and in the long-term. I am one to do my own research, too. Just because a doctor says it, doesn’t mean that it’s true or that it is good for you. Listen to your body and do your own studying. And, don’t underestimate the power of alternative therapies, supplements, and holistic care.
The market is packed with products aimed to help lessen suffering for different conditions. I use all sorts of tools and therapies to help me live a happier and freer life with MS. For example, Beyond Talk rates the Medimassager MMF06 as a foot massager good for diabetics.
Quality Sleep
Sleep deprivation can be very damaging to your health, and it isn’t only insomnia that needs to be considered. Even losing one hour sleep per night can bring noticeable changes to your physical appearance. Additionally, the impact to energy levels, happiness and general alertness cannot be dismissed. This is one area that most of us can improve. Try to find the best mattress for your needs. You can also encourage improvement simply by turning off your phone and going to bed one hour earlier each night. Either way, improving your sleep patterns will improve your quality of life, too.
Don’t Forget Mental and Spiritual Health
It’s far easier to focus on physical health than it is on mental and spiritual health. Unfortunately, this isn’t a good habit for anyone to get into. Pay as much attention to your emotions, level of peace, memory, cognitive ability, and mood as you do your body. You should also keep the mind stimulated to prevent dementia and other brain conditions.
It’s considerably important to follow your passions in life, as well. The more you engage in “happy” activities and relationships, the more joy you will have. Mental and spiritual health does help bring balance to other body systems and will keep you more able to complete the above general health suggestions. If you feel like something isn’t right in these areas, seek the appropriate help as soon as you can. Leaving unchecked mental and spiritual illness to flourish can devastate your whole world and body.
You are worth every bit of time, effort, and cost that it takes to ensure that you stay healthy. These tips are just the basics. Nothing complicated. You want it. Do it. No excuses. No Blaming. No Playing the Victim!
***The content of this article is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s Life Link, its authors, associates, linked sites, sponsors, and commentators do not claim that any of the content will diagnose or lead to a cure or improvement of any disease or condition.