Now more than ever, people are focused on whole-body wellness, wanting to feel good as well as look good. While the growing recognition that every person’s body has different needs is a step in the right direction, the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all formula to be healthy can be very frustrating. Thankfully, there are some basic principles to keep in mind as you begin your journey toward a healthier you. Keep reading for tips that can help everyone transform their bodies into their best selves.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Being well-rested is extremely important for your overall health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased likelihood of obesity, cognitive impairment, increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, impaired immune function, and depression.
If you are looking for ways to get better sleep, consider these good hygiene practices:
- Stick to a sleep schedule consistently.
- Find a routine that helps you wind down for bed 30-60 minutes before bed, such as a relaxing bath, listening to music, stretching, or meditation.
- Avoid electronic devices an hour before bedtime, as the blue light they emit can reduce melatonin levels.
- Limit the length of naps to 30 minutes or less, and avoid napping late in the day to help keep your sleep pattern intact.
Stay Active
Exercise can be a challenge for a number of reasons, but the health benefits are undeniable. Being active helps every body system function better, allowing you to both feel great and function at your best.
If you are struggling to find opportunities to be more active, try some of these methods:
- Try being more active at times when you’d normally be sitting, such as while watching TV. You can do simple exercises like squats or walking in place, or do tasks that require more movement, like cleaning, lifting weights, or jogging in place.
- Instead of trying to set aside one time a day to exercise, divide it into shorter pieces throughout the day. You can get the same benefits from three 10-minute intervals as one 30-minute workout session.
- Make time to work out with a friend, or join a class — exercising with others can help you feel motivated and stay on track.
Stay Nourished
While many diets and fads focus on how much you eat, ensuring your body gets the vitamins and nutrients it needs is just as important. Restrictive eating may reduce calories, but also reduces vitamin intake, so focus on providing your body with the fuel it needs instead.
Some steps to make sure you have an enriched diet include:
- Keep a wide range of nutritious foods on hand.
- Preparing healthy snacks and meals ahead of time one or two days a week can help you stay on track at times when you are short on time.
- When making goals to adjust your diet, make sure they are specific, measurable, and realistic.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration takes a serious toll on numerous body systems, which should be no surprise as 60% of the human body is water. Energy levels, cognitive function, the digestive process, and weight management are all directly linked to having enough water in the body.
The many methods to drink enough water are well-known, but many people still struggle with consuming enough water to maintain sufficient hydration. IV therapy is often thought of as a treatment exclusive to serious illness or hospitalization, but it is a highly effective method of delivering fluids, medications, and nutrients to the body for immediate benefit. Concierge medical practices located in Houston offer IV therapy at your home or office, allowing you convenient access to treatment.
Stress Management
In addition to negatively affecting mental health, stress also takes a physical toll on the body. Left unmanaged, stress can lead to fatigue, impact cardiovascular health, cause digestive issues, and weaken the immune system, as well as many other physiological consequences.
While working towards whole-body wellness can help reduce stress, there are other steps you can take to manage it, such as:
- Ensuring you have a social support system can help take your mind off your stressors and relieve anxiety.
- Making sure you have a healthy work-life balance can help you avoid burnout and ensure you have time for self-care.
- Occasional breaks from your daily routine to relax and engage in enjoyable activities can help prevent mental fatigue.
- A therapist can help identify the triggers of your stress, and work with you to develop better thinking and behavioral skills to manage stress better.
Last Words
Transforming your body and mind to be the healthiest you is a journey. Holding yourself accountable to reach achievable goals is key. Trying to radically change every bad habit you have overnight can lead to frustration and further stress, which only negatively affects you more.
It’s also important to remember that there are alternative ways to reach your goals, such as with IV therapy to help keep you hydrated. Asking for help from your loved ones and trusted healthcare providers not only helps you reach your goals, but helps you build a community that can help you feel your best long-term.
