A Healthier and Happier You Is Possible

Committing to a healthier lifestyle can be difficult, but it's not impossible. The key to success is to set a realistic pace for yourself and consistently build on your successes. By following these few simple tips, you can find yourself on the road to accomplishment.

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Get and Stay Active

One of the first things you can and should do to improve your health is to become more active. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men don't get enough physical activity.

Exercise can be fun and shouldn't feel like a chore. If you make it too complicated or challenging, you'll likely tire of it quickly. You don't need to hit the gym daily or run a marathon. Instead, try simple steps, such as walking around the block or taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.

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Eat Healthier

In addition to being physically active, eating right is an integral part of leading a healthy lifestyle. An easy way to keep track of the food you're putting into your body is to use an app like MyFitnessPal. If you eat healthier, you'll feel better about yourself and have more energy throughout the day.

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See Your Doctor Regularly

Getting regular checkups, including blood work and screenings, is an essential step to maintaining good health (MedlinePlus). Hospitals and medical centers offer numerous services to help you stay on top of your health, and it's important not to skip these appointments. A doctor can help you develop a plan to avoid potentially dangerous health issues and keep you on the right track.

Stay up to date with seeing all of your medical care providers, including your dermatologist (Healthgrades). Individuals with skin conditions, such as psoriasis, need regular care to prevent and reduce outbreaks. If you've only been self-medicating with over-the-counter products, speak to your primary care or dermatologist about other traditional treatments. These include oral or topical medications and ultraviolet therapy. When your skin looks and feels great, you'll be happier, too.

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Spend Time With a Pet

Pets bring a lot of joy to people. During COVID-19 lockdowns, thousands of people adopted a pet to keep them company while working from home. Animals also provide natural stress relief (Hills) and can help you get outdoors and exercise. Many pets need daily walks, and it's a perfect way to get fresh air and strengthen the bond with your furry friend.

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Remember To Relax

Stress has significant effects on our emotions and mental state. Some people like yoga, while others enjoy listening to music or putting on comfortable pajamas and relaxing with a good book. Find what works for you, and then fit it into your weekly routine. Relaxation is essential to keeping healthy (PsychCentral) and happy.

Additionally, many people find that developing a spiritual side can help maintain positive health habits. Spending time in prayer or meditation can help you relax, which will, in turn, help your heart (Ray, et al., in Oschner Journal).

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Create a Roadmap To Improve Your Health

A few small steps can have a significant impact over time. Start by being more active and improving your diet, and slowly add the other tips to boost your health. For help finding affordable health insurance solutions in Pennsburg, contact the Dan Rhoads Agency.

Sources:

“Physical Activity: FactsSheet.” World Health Organization, 26 Nov 2020. https://bit.ly/3bYt0Uo

MyFitnessPal, Inc. Calorie Counter – MyFitnessPal. Last updated: 9 Nov 2021. https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

“Preventive Health Care.” MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 9 Nov, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001921.htm

Dallas, Mary Elizabeth. “10Reasons to See a Dermatologist.” Healthgrades. Last updated 08 Aug 2021.https://bit.ly/31Mo9Uq

Tague, Angela. “Benefits of Adopting a Pet During Self-Quarantine & Isolation.” Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc. 25 Aug 2020. https://bit.ly/3ohcAMq

White, Donna. “Relaxation: Make Time and Take Time for Self-Care.” PsychCentral, 17 May 2016. https://bit.ly/3obFNIQ

Ray, et al. “Meditation and Coronary Heart Disease: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence.” OschnerJ. Winter 2014;14(4):696-703. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25598736/

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Author: Sara Bailey is a mother of two, a widow, and the author of an upcoming book, Hope and Help After Loss. More can be read about her at TheWidow.net.

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Image by April Laugh, via Unsplash.