Get an overall check-up at least once a year
Get your hormone levels checked. Many people nowadays get sick because of an imbalance in their hormones. Getting a yearly check-up can help you get an overview of your health status and can prevent future disease/illness. If you’re planning to participate in a fitness program, go check with your doctor first to see if you have any medical condition that prohibits you from any specific exercise.
Eat Well. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy
I don’t mean that you should eliminate all junk food at once and other unhealthy food choices in your diet, the key is MODERATION. Dieting can be good, but know that too much dieting is not. Eating too much of one thing or not enough of another is never good for the body because it can cause a variety of health problems.
Start eating more fruits and more vegetables
Have a variety of food on your plate every time you eat. The key to dieting is not to starve yourself, but having the right amount/portions of what you eat everyday. And also, you don’t have to starve yourself by eating one or two meals a day for your diet regimen, because you can still lose weight even if you eat your regular three meals a day. The key word again: moderation.
Drink more water
Water is vital to our everyday being. Not getting enough water can lead to fatigue, headaches, easy irritability, muscle cramps and dehydration that’s why it’s important to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day. You can also incorporate fruits and vegetables in your drinks for a healthier dose like: mango, apple, coconut etc.
Exercise
Slow and steady is the key. Don’t push yourself too hard when you start an exercise routine. When you push yourself too hard you can put your body under more stress—that’s why you should start at a comfortable pace and slowly work your way up. That way, your body can adjust to your exercise routine.
Sleep
Get enough sleep. Sleeping helps you replenish your lost energy, making it easier for you to cope with stress, helps you concentrate and think positively.
Pamper Yourself
Pamper yourself every once in awhile. Treat yourself to a massage, to a vacation, to a movie—anything that takes your mind away from your everyday stresses.
Connect with Others
Your overall health does not solely depend on physical aspects, but mental and emotional aspects as well. It is important to reach out to people in our lives. There’s a saying, “No man is an island.” If you have something that’s been bothering you lately, why not talk it over with your sister/brother/best friend? Sometimes, just finding someone to talk to and share our thoughts with is so important because it makes you see things from a different perspective and lets you know that you are not alone in life’s everyday struggles.
Take a good multivitamin
Although we may be eating the right kind and amount of food everyday, we’re still not getting the required vitamins and minerals that our body needs that’s why multivitamins might help.
Start getting interested about good health
The things that you do today, the food that you eat today and the drinks that you drink today will determine your tomorrow’s health. It’s never too late to start now!
And remember…
Change does not happen overnight, but the easiest changes happen when you work for it one step at a time. If you live healthy and happy today, I’m very sure that there will be less doctor trips and visits in the future and you’ll have more time to enjoy life with those we love.
Wishing you all a healthier and happier life!
This was republished with permission from the Filipino Nurses Blog.