Achieve Whole Body Health With These Simple Lifestyle Changes

This guest blog is written by Joyce Wilson www.teacherspark.org
e: joyce@teacherspark.org

Despite the importance of health as a personal asset, too few people prioritise whole-body health. Sure, many people maintain healthy diets and exercise regularly, but few individuals make lifestyle choices that can improve their health from head to toe. If you value your health and want to do more to protect it, consider making these simple but beneficial lifestyle changes.

Prioritise Sleep
Getting adequate sleep each night — between seven and nine hours for adults — is one of the best things you can do for your health. Yet, as many as 67% of adults in the UK claim to experience disrupted sleep on a routine basis, and nearly half admit they do not get the right amount of sleep each night.

If you’re part of the majority, it’s important you understand and appreciate the massive benefits of sufficient shut-eye. According to SCL Health, advantages include boosted immunity, better heart health, improved weight management, uplifted mood, enhanced memory, increased productivity and better job performance.

Get Moving
Exercise is another great way to show your body some love. Even moderate exercise, such as a brisk walk or yoga, can have a wealth of long-term advantages and increase your lifespan. Immediate perks include better sleep, improved mood and increased energy. Exercise can also reduce stress, improve symptoms of depression and anxiety and help with ADHD and PTSD.

Take your fitness routine to the next level with a smartwatch and fitness app. Advantages of doing so include increased performance, improved coordination and continued motivation.

Stress Less
Though easier said than done, it’s crucial to get your tensions under control by developing healthy stress management tools. Stress can adversely affect your physical and mental health, with common side effects including nausea, headaches, chest pain, hair loss, high blood pressure, behavioural changes, insomnia and chemical dependence. A European study found that job-related stress alone can increase your risk of a heart attack by 23%.

Getting your anxiety under control doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming or costly. Greatist shares 27 affordable or free relaxation techniques, which include breathing deeply, meditation, listening to music, reading, chewing gum and laughing. Even decluttering and bringing some indoor plants into your home can alleviate stress.

Just Say No
Saying no is never easy. However, saying no is important to your well-being, especially if you’re beginning to feel resentful, stretched thin or flat out exhausted. Think through requests or invitations before you reply and ask yourself if it’s something you really want to do. If your mind and body say no, so should your mouth.

Go Au Natural
There will be instances in which you must rely on man-made cures, but when a natural remedy exists that actually works, try that first. Natural remedies do not contain harmful additives and are often rich in vitamins and minerals, two facts that equate to fewer side effects and increased health.

Stay Hydrated
Finally, drink the requisite number of cups of water each day. Though simple, drinking plenty of water can improve everything from joint function to oxygen intake to hair and skin health. If you make just one small change to your lifestyle, swap out your first cup of Joe with a cup of water each morning.

Achieving whole body health doesn’t require an excessive amount of time, money or commitment. It simply involves a few lifestyle changes. To see the greatest benefit, start with the ones above.