Written by: Sheila Olson
Maintaining good health every day can be challenging, especially if you work long hours or have issues with stress and anxiety. Not only is it important to make sure you’re eating right and getting in daily exercise, but you also have to think about reducing those feelings of stress in order to boost your mental health. Thinking outside the box will help; for instance, take a look at your home to see how it can suit your needs better. The air quality, cleanliness, and temperature all have an effect on your physical and mental health.
It’s also a good idea to take a look at your sleeping habits, as sleep deprivation is common in individuals with stressful jobs or family responsibilities. Not getting good sleep can take a huge toll on your mood and your ability to cope with the things that life throws at you on a daily basis. It can also have physical effects that keep you from being able to focus. This can be hazardous to your health, especially when you’re driving.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to incorporate simple, everyday strategies into your lifestyle to properly maintain your health.
Use a Humidifier
During the fall and winter months, it’s common for homes to suffer from dry air, which can lead to stuffy noses and other breathing issues. To add some moisture, place a humidifier in common rooms and keep the filters changed regularly to avoid the buildup of pollutants, allergens, and mold. This is also a great strategy for parents whose children often have chest colds.
Treat Your Body Well
Your body takes a lot of abuse during a given day; standing on your feet at work, picking up your kids, or sitting at a desk for long periods of time can all take a toll on your body, leaving you feeling sore and tired. Treat yourself to a massage, or look into physical therapy services if you have body pain from an injury or illness. Taking care of your muscles is one of the best ways to feel better at any age, and it can be preventative care, too.
Eat Right
It’s not always easy to incorporate healthy eating into your daily lifestyle, especially if you find yourself pressed for time when dinner rolls around and the family is hungry. Starting small, however, will help you eat right no matter how tight your schedule is. Think about subscribing to a healthy snacks box so you won’t be tempted by store-bought junk food, which usually contains junk food loaded with fat and carbs. Also, don’t feel you have to deprive yourself of the things you love, however; introducing healthy items doesn’t mean you need to give up the things that are not-so-great for you. Moderation, of course, is key.
Get Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep is important for a variety of reasons, and it’s nearly impossible to maintain good health without it. Not only do you need to ensure that you get enough sleep, but the quality is also imperative as well. This means you may need to make changes to your routine, such as cutting out caffeine, taking steps to relax before bedtime, or taking care of your to-do list so your brain will have a chance to shut down for the night.
Finding ways to incorporate healthy strategies into your lifestyle doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Talk to your family about how they can get involved, and start with small changes so you can stay motivated. With a good plan, you can take your health to new levels.
About the Author
Sheila Olson has been a personal trainer for five years. She believes the best way to achieve physical fitness and good health is to set and tackle small goals. Also, she encourages her clients to stay positive and incorporates mindfulness and practices for reducing negative talk into her sessions. She created FitSheila.com to spread the word about her fitness philosophy.