Health and happiness are two essential things in life. Everyone wants to be healthy and happy, but achieving these goals can be challenging. You can do many things to make your life healthier and more comfortable, but it takes work to implement these changes. To help get you started, the experts at FHE Health are sharing their top seven tips for a healthier and happier you.
1. Get Enough Sleep
The amount of sleep we get every night directly impacts our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can cause many problems, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Start by focusing on getting a good night’s sleep to improve your health.
If sleep is a struggle, FHE Health suggests trying some of the following tips:
- Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
- Avoid watching television or working on the computer in bed
- Get up and move around during the day to keep your body active
2. Eat A Rainbow of Foods
The saying “eat a rainbow” is good advice regarding maintaining a healthy diet. Eating various colorful fruits and vegetables ensures you get the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs. These nutrients support immunity, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases.
To get the most benefit, eat a rainbow of foods daily. This can be easily accomplished by including various fruits and vegetables at each meal. Looking for ways to eat a broader range of healthy, colorful foods? Try some of these:
- Start your day with a bowl of berries
- Enjoy an orange with lunch
- Snack on carrot sticks and hummus
- Add sautéed kale to your dinner
3. Get Moving
Exercise is another crucial element of a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity helps to improve mental health, boost energy levels, and reduce stress. It can also help to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise weekly.
If you’re new to exercise, add some simple physical activity to your daily routine. This could include taking a brisk walk around the block or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Once you’ve built some stamina, you can add more challenging activities, such as jogging, swimming, or biking.
4. Manage Stress
Between work, family, and social obligations, it’s no wonder that many of us feel stressed out. But did you know that stress can take a toll on your health? Chronic stress has been linked to various problems, including anxiety, depression, headaches, stomach issues, and heart disease. Finding ways to manage stress is essential to improve your health and well-being.
There are many different ways to manage stress, but some of the most effective include exercise, relaxation techniques, and positive thinking. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try incorporating some of these stress-busting activities into your day:
- Trying out a beginner’s yoga video
- Practicing meditation or deep breathing
- Writing in a journal
- Spending time in nature
5. See Your Doctor Regularly
Remember to see your doctor regularly for checkups, says this dentist in Ballwin. This is important for detecting health problems early and preventing severe complications. During a checkup, your doctor will likely take your blood pressure, check your cholesterol levels, and order routine blood tests. Be sure to schedule an appointment yearly or as your doctor recommends.
In addition to regular checkups, women should have a Pap test and pelvic exam every year, men should have a digital rectal exam and testicular exam every year, and people over 50 should also have a colonoscopy every ten years.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for good health. Water helps to flush out toxins, transport nutrients, and keep your body hydrated and functioning properly. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume at least 3.7 liters (about 15 cups) of fluids daily and women consume at least 2.7 liters (about 11 cups).
In addition to plain water, other fluids such as fruit juice, milk, and herbal tea can also contribute to your daily fluid intake. Just limit your sugary drinks like soda and juice, as they can add extra calories to your diet.
If you prefer flavored waters, here are some delicious additions to try:
- Lemon or lime slices
- Cucumber slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Berries
7. Quit Smoking
If you smoke cigarettes, now is the time to quit. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, and it’s also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other health problems.
Quitting smoking is not easy, but it’s worth it. Many resources are available to help you stop, including counseling, medication, and support groups. FHE Health recommends you speak to your doctor about which option is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Staying healthy is a life-long commitment. By making healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of chronic diseases and improve your overall health. Talk to your doctor first when changing your diet or physical activity levels. This is especially important if you have any underlying health conditions.