How to be proactive about your health. With hundreds of health bloggers, fitness vloggers, and diet influencers it feels like today’s world is focusing more and more on health. The reality, however, is that many people find themselves in a state of confusion worrying about what the best vitamin is, what diet is the best diet, or even what the most optimal workout routine is. In this crazy and fast-paced world we’re
living in, let’s go over how you can be proactive about your health to lead a happier and
healthier life.
Something you should do is prioritize regular check-ups. I know that doctor’s appointments are
no one’s definition of fun but it is best to stay up to date with your routine visits with your
physician, dentist, and optometrist. Waiting for symptoms to appear isn’t the best course of
action. Your check-ups are a preventive measure to help identify potential health issues early
on. This also means staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, screenings, and health
guidelines. Don’t skip out on mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies, etc.
Then there’s the classic diet and exercise. This certainly isn’t newsworthy advice but essential,
nonetheless. Diet can be a scary word to some but really what you need to focus on is balance.
Ensure you consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You can
indulge in processed foods and sugary snacks but don’t make them a staple. And if you’re
currently on a nutrition plan or dietary medications absolutely consult with your doctor before
you decide to make any drastic changes to your nutrition plan. If you really feel like you’re
struggling it’s best to reach out to a nutritionist who can help craft a sustainable, affordable, and
healthy plan for you.
I mentioned exercise but that doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym every day. Find activities
you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Just try to do at least 30 minutes of
some form of exercise every day. You don’t have to use weight machines you can actually use
your own body weight for strength training at home. We actually have a whole blog on finding
the right home workout posted.
Another huge piece of the puzzle that is a healthy life is sleep. So many people are not getting
enough sleep every night and the effects can be disastrous. You should aim for 7 to 9 hours of
quality sleep each night. Try to develop a bedtime routine or see if perhaps you might need to
get a new mattress. We have a helpful blog on the secret to sound sleep. This also ties directly
into the final tip which is managing your stress. Stress can wreak havoc on your body and so
many people aren’t equipped with the right mental tools to help themselves. Sleep plays an
important role in that as explained in our blog on stress management but so does diet and
exercise.
Being proactive about your health is a lifelong journey and it requires a lot of commitment and
most importantly self-care. Listen to your body. Take days off when you’re really feeling worn
down, make sure you’re drinking enough water, and try to eat well. By implementing these
things we’ve discussed you can take control of your well-being. Deciding to walk to dinner
rather than driving might seem small but small steps toward a healthier lifestyle can lead to big
long-term benefits.
For more info on how to better care for yourself and health information in general, check out
our blog
