Add All-Around Health to Your Life with These 6 Simple Practices
Guest Author: Jennifer McGregor
Regardless of your age or background, maintaining good health will not just happen in your life. For anyone who wants to live physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy, that person must make day-to-day decisions that support their goals. Many people struggle to form habits that benefit their health and wellness because they’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. However, living well doesn’t require an endless stream of daunting tasks. These six simple practices can help you achieve all-around health.
Stay Up-to-Date on Your Health
The only way to keep track of your health and wellness for sure is to regularly go to your check-up appointments. A physician can give you an overall evaluation, help you stay ahead of potential concerns, and recommend any necessary lifestyle changes; if you’re a senior, this is especially important. It’s also critical that you have the insurance coverage you need. For instance, if you are not currently covered for dental and vision care, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans (benefits offered by Medicare Part A and Part B are combined into one plan) can include additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, vision, hearing and fitness programs. Having the right insurance is important for everyone; just make sure you’re getting the most out of your policy.
Pay Attention to Your Dental Health
A lot of people underestimate the significance of dental care, but your teeth and gums can affect other aspects of your health. When you have poor oral health, it can hold you back in life and contribute to anxiety and depression. Make sure you get the dental care you need. If it costs too much or is inconvenient for you to go to your current dentistry, consider finding a new dentist altogether.
Work Sleep In
Like dental health, sleep is underestimated, and it’s often not given priority in our lives when we get busy. But sleep is how we recover and regenerate, and our minds and bodies can’t function properly without it. Therefore, even when life is hectic, try to work sleep into your schedule.
Work Relaxation In
Having relaxation in your life can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. However, if you keep waiting until you find the time, you will probably never find it. If you want relaxation, you have to make the time. Think of something you would like to do if you were on vacation — whether it’s reading a novel, getting a massage, or any other calming activity — and make it happen.
Vacation or ‘Staycation’?
Speaking of vacation, it’s important to break away from the daily cycle every now and again to avoid getting into a rut. And while most people associate vacations with packing their bags and getting as far away from town as possible, sticking around and enjoying a “staycation” could be just as much fun. There’s no shortage of things to do in Galveston, which, according to Turnkey, is among the most popular beach destinations in the state of Texas. Of course, if beaches aren’t your thing, then the Strand Historic District may have what you need, including several retail shops, restaurants, and the Galveston Railroad Museum. Regardless of where you choose, spring for a vacation rental instead of a hotel so you can keep those new healthy habits in motion. Rental properties often have full kitchens, allowing you to whip up healthy meals instead of splurging on a high-calorie meal every day. You can also find a rental near the activities you want to pursue, giving you an excuse to walk or bike to your destination.
Tweak Your Diet
It’s no secret that a good diet is important for anyone’s health, but it can be easier said than done. If you’re not sure where to start, try cutting back on sugar, and eat more veggies and lean meats. Before too long, you will likely start to crave foods that are good for you.
Enjoy Your Exercise
Finally, regular physical activity is a great way to benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health. The key to sticking to an exercise routine is to find an activity you enjoy. That way, you won’t completely dread working out every morning (or evening). It could be running, yoga, HIIT, hiking, or anything else. Just find something you can have fun doing.
You can have overall health and wellness by making a few simple changes. Go to regular check-ups with your physician, and revisit your insurance plan. Give attention to your dental health, get the sleep you need, and make time to relax. Lastly, be conscious of what you eat, and commit to an exercise routine you enjoy. The little changes you make on a daily basis will gradually become habits, which can make a difference in your quality of life for years to come.
Photo by Yannic Läderach on Unsplash
Disclaimer:
This content is strictly the opinion of our guest blog author, Jennifer McGregor, and is for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. The statements of this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. iHeart Nature does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. Neither iHeart Nature nor the representatives take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions.
