Staying healthy can seem like an uphill struggle. However, the more you work at your own personal health the easier it becomes to stay healthy, feel great and not get ill. Here we are going to look at 10 of the best ways to get and stay healthy. If you can work towards them gradually you will start seeing a huge difference in your well-being. Good Luck.
1.Eat Well
Diet is so incredibly important. When we eat we give our body the natural resources it needs to grow, regenerate, avoid and fight diseases. Not having the right balance of vitamins and minerals is one of the leading causes of illness. You want to be getting your five a day and eating a well-balanced diet. You also need to make sure you are drinking more water – nearly 1/3 of us are dehydrated thanks to a reliance on sugary drinks over water.
2. Sleep Well
Sleep is your body’s chance to rest and recuperate. 60% of people do not get enough sleep to actually recover from their day. This is one of the most detrimental long term problems and is linked to depression, anxiety, fatigue, headaches and stress amongst other things. Try and establish a regular wake up and bed time and get more exercise – not using energy means that your body is not tired so you cannot sleep correctly. If after several months of trying if you are still struggling to sleep visit a doctor to seek treatment for sleep disorders.
3. Improve your Oral Hygiene
Your oral hygiene is just as important as the rest of your health. Around 55% of people do not brush twice a day and 20% of us don’t visit the dentist (you can Search on Yell for a dentist near you). Aside from cavities and toothache poor oral hygiene can lead to a huge number of problems including tooth loss, bad breath, gingivitis, oral cancer and serious infections. Brushing your teeth twice a day is the bear minimum requirement but you should also floss, use mouthwash with fluoride, cut down on sugar and make sure you visit the dentist at least twice a year. Here is a short useful video about choosing the right Oral B Toothbrush Head (if you use electric toothbrushes).
4. Exercise
Exercise helps keep your body healthy in so many ways. In our often sedentary lifestyles we should be aiming for a minimum of 30 minutes exercise 3 times a week – ideally more! Working this into your lifestyle can be problematic but you can always do ten minutes every morning (a great way to wake up for the day) or join a local sports club or gym. Exercise has been proven to improve sleep, concentration and prevents a huge variety of illnesses.
5. Keep your Brain Active
Your brain is the most integral part of your health. Everything on this list affects your mood, your well-being and your ability to fight illness. An active brain has been shown to stave off a huge variety of later life diseases including Alzheimer’s. Keeping your brain active improves your concentration and helps your immune system.
6. Manage your Weight
Exercise and a good diet are two of the most important parts of keeping healthy but you should also actively manage your weight. Being overweight creates strain on internal organs and bones. It leads to a huge variety of problems – so much so that obesity has now overtaken cancer as the leading cause of death in the USA. We naturally have some fat but your body mass index should be aligned with your height and breadth. Keep control of your weight through exercise and better diets but remember to monitor it to prevent health problems
7. Stay out of the Sun
Skin cancer is on the rise again as more and more of us choose to chase the tanned look. However, tanning booths and overexposure to the sun can seriously damage your health. When you are out in the sun apply sunscreen and do not spend more than 30 minutes at a time in direct sunlight. You may not have that glazed beach look but your long term health prospects are greatly improved.
8. Limit your Alcohol Intake
Over indulgence in alcohol causes liver failure, liver cancer and has been demonstrated as an exacerbating cause in other cancers. Research suggests that men should drink no more than 4 units a day and no more than 21 units of alcohol a week. For women no more than three units a day and less than 14 units per week. Exceeding these limits greatly increases your risks of diseases.
9. Don’t Smoke
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your body and your overall health. It decreases lung capacity, increases blood pressure and of course causes cancer. Giving up smoking can be incredibly difficult but it is guaranteed to improve your health – and very rapidly too. Your heart rate will return to normal within 24 hours of quitting and after ten years of not smoking your body can completely repair. If you need help quitting smoking visit your doctor who can help with treatments. There are also support groups and a wide variety of over the counter treatment options that help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
10. Communicate More
One of the most important parts of managing your health is communication. This takes on a number of forms but the most important is communication with your closest friends. Having a support network for your life and your health is one of the easiest ways to stay on top of your goals and your health. You might want to find a running partner or a tennis partner who will help keep you active throughout the year. You might want to talk to a dietician who can help you plan a more balanced diet. You might want to get support and encouragement from family and friends while you quit smoking or start a new exercise regime. Having these lines of engagement and communication help to keep you engaged with your health and the health of those closest to you.