How to make your health a priority
Life gets busy and we often neglect our health. But now is the time to focus on what is truly important and that is your health. Here are some ways that you can make your health a priority.
Check in with yourself
As soon as you get up in the morning ask yourself ‘How am I feeling today?’ This will give you a baseline to work with as you do your daily activities. If you are doing great, that’s wonderful. If you’re not doing so great because you didn’t have a good night sleep or you stayed up later than you should have, maybe you need to make some changes to your schedule to accommodate for this state of mind. You can also check in with yourself throughout the day and make changes accordingly.
Prioritize sleep
Sleep is essential for our overall wellbeing. This is the time when our body gets to rest and repair, our brain consolidates memories, we release melatonin which not only triggers sleep but acts as an antioxidant. Ensure that your environment is well suited for a comfortable night’s sleep. This can include having a cool room, wearing an eye mask, have a sound free space and comfy pillows and mattress.
Nutrition
For a long time it was thought that the food you eat had no impact on your health. I’m so glad that we’re not in that time anymore. The foods we eat have a tremendous impact on our health and it is so good to see more people being more concerned about their food choices. If you are able to make healthy food choices before you even go to the grocery store then you are already on your way. Choose foods that are high in fiber, are a healthy source of protein and fat as well as fruits and vegetables.
Movement
Our bodies were made to move. I know the struggle is real with this one. We often find it hard to get up and do it. But you just have to do it. Try to make it enjoyable, do something fun. Maybe you like rebounding, walking and listening to a podcast, hula hooping (I need to get one) or weight lifting. Whatever it is, you need to do it. Start slow and be consistent.
Fresh air
We need oxygen. Most times we are stuck inside our homes or offices all day with no fresh air circulating in the room. Fresh air especially in the morning, wakes the body up and revitalizes the system. Most of us do shallow breathing but deep breathing is where we experience the profound action of the parasympathetic nervous system causing relaxation in the body. Take some deep breaths the next time you go outside.
Water
Our bodies are around 70% water so that alone should tell you how essential it is for life. Water has the job of purifying the body systems, ensuring our mucus membranes and body stay hydrated, it cushions our joints and helps eliminate waste among other things. We’ve all heard that 8 glasses a day is what we need but we are all different shapes and sizes so you have to drink enough for your body. Make sure you sip your water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Get help
Many times we feel that we can do things all on our own. But remember you are not alone and there are health care providers that can help you, that will listen to you and acknowledge your struggles and needs. Asking for help shows that you are in tune with your body and you want to give it what it needs. Asking for help may be the best way to prioritize your health right now.