Just how healthy are you? It’s a question many of us mull over, but the truth of the matter is that no matter how healthy we already are, we can always be doing something to improve it. In order to stay in good health or to overhaul our health completely requires some effort on our behalf.
If you’re not one for watching what you eat or regularly exercising, it may seem bothersome to start doing so. But the thing is, amping up your health will not only make you feel better, it will make you live longer. How’s that for a reward? So what are the best ways to go about this effectively? Below, we’ve listed 4 ways you can meaningfully amp up your health regime.
1. Schedule Regular Exercise
Do you avoid exercising at all costs? Unfortunately, your distaste for exercise doesn’t change the fact that you need to do it on the regular. With health benefits ranging from building muscle mass to improving flexibility, it’s no wonder why getting into the habit of regularly exercising is one of the best ways to amp up your health regime. If you’re not much of gym bunny, Angela Stringfellow from Smart Healthy Living suggests to try exploring unconventional exercise options.
“If you don’t like a certain type of exercise, forcing yourself to do it will only demotivate you to continue,” she says. “Try a variety of different exercises, including more unconventional ones like rock climbing, kayaking, and ice skating so you can work out what you actually like doing.” Finding what works for you is essential to motivating you to keep up your routine. Who knows, you may just transform into a gym bunny after all!
2. Be Mindful of What You Eat
To many people, eating is one of life’s pleasures. Needless to say, overindulging or eating unhealthily is all too easy, especially when you’re short on time. A few slip ups here and there won’t make too much of a difference, but eating an unhealthy diet regularly will lead to health complications. There’s no shortage of scientific evidence that demonstrates of Americans are overweight or obese.
The only way to tackle food-related problems is to start being mindful of what you eat. There are of course no shortage of diets claiming to be the diet to be on. Be wary of any that promise quick fixes or dramatic weight loss—chances are it could be a dangerous fad diet. So which diet should you be on? There’s no easy answer here as the answer is dependent on your particular body and health needs. That’s why it’s advisable to consult your doctor before changing your diet, as they’ll be able to point you in the right direction
3. Cut Back on Vices
Whether you’re a pack a day smoker or a social smoker, you probably don’t need to be told just how harmful smoking is for your health. The same goes for drinking excessively. These vices may be fun in the moment, but they can leave a devastating impact on your health. That’s why it’s never a better time than now to finally give up these habits.
But for anyone who’s already tried and failed to do so, you’ll know that quitting or reducing smoking or drinking is much easier said than done. If you’re struggling and are at a loss about how to make quitting finally stick, book an appointment with your doctor. They will be able to give you expert advice on the matter. You may also want to connect with others who are undergoing this journey by joining online forums or reading articles on the topic. Sometimes, feeling part of a community and having some sense of accountability will give you the nudge you need.
4. Remember to Take Care of Your Mental Health
Now that you know how to take care of your physical health, it’s time to focus on an equally crucial part of your health regime—your mental health. In fact, if you follow the above tips you’ll be helping to boost your mental health as well! Regularly exercising, eating well, and saying no to vices like smoking and drinking will all work to improve your mental health.
There are many other things you can do to ensure your mental health is in tip-top shape. Psychology Today highlights 9 relatively straightforward ways to improve your mental health. The list includes such things as practicing gratitude, opening up to someone, doing something for another person, and heading to bed on time.
