Hello Everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Adam Howes.
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The poet and writer James Leigh Hunt once said that “the groundwork of all happiness is health.” In France, they were a little more severe, with the Renaissance humanist Francois Rabelais saying: “Without health, life is not life; it is only a state of languor and suffering.” Oh, those cheery Frenchmen.
However, both thinkers were very much right, and their words highlight just how important staying healthy is to our quality of life in general. That being said, good health does not just stop at the physical; mental and emotional well-being will be just as important for anyone who wants to have a balanced, positive and long life.
From waking up gently and in plenty of time (to ensure we get the best possible start to the day) through to getting all the sleep we need to feel refreshed and revived, there are plenty of simple changes that can be made to dramatically improve health and positivity. Below are the top 5 steps that each and every one of us can take to stay healthy in every area of our lives.
1. Exercise
We all know that keeping fit will keep us healthy, yet far fewer take the time to actually get into shape, not considering just how many fun ways there are to do so. Exercising doesn’t have to be about joining a gym or running a marathon and instead can be about getting involved in fun pastimes such as walking, dancing or even playing a musical instrument. Not only will exercise help improve your physical health, but losing excess pounds is also a great way to give the mind a positive boost too.
2. Avoid Stress
Stress can have a huge impact on our health, putting pressure on the heart, promoting binge eating, causing insomnia and even affecting our blood sugar levels. By avoiding stress (or taking steps to cope better with those moments/days/years of anxiety), you will not only increase the health of your body, but also feel more positive and vibrant too.
3. Focus Your Diet
This is not only about eating right, but also about drinking right. Try to drink plenty of water and avoid excess alcohol consumption and, when it comes to food, those whole grains, fruits and vegetables should always be at the top of your list. Treats are fine in moderation, potentially helping you avoid falling off that well-balanced diet wagon, but ensure you keep them to a minimum.
4. Get Plenty Of Rest
There is a good reason why medical experts recommend getting a minimum of 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night. Not only will a lack of sleep lead to memory problems, irritability and poor focus, but erratic or limited amounts of shut-eye can lead to high blood pressure and numerous other serious health issues. There are not many of us who don’t like a good lie in, so next time you feel a pressing need to get up early, remember how important that extra time in bed might be for your health.
5. Get Checked
No matter how well you look after yourself, certain health issues will crop up regardless, and regular checkups will help stop small problems turning into much bigger ones. From routine examinations to getting professional advice about slight niggles, ensuring you don’t ignore what your body is doing will be vital for your long term health and mood.
Author Bio:
Adam Howes is a freelance writer and blogger. He writes regular articles about sports and health care.