What does good health mean to you? Perhaps it’s simply the absence of any illness or ailments; or maybe you strive for more, where you feel completely in tune with your body and mind. Whatever you deem good health to mean, we can all agree that there are certain elements that all healthy lifestyles have in common. When these elements are all working together in perfect harmony, both our physical and mental wellbeing stands to prosper.
So what are some of the most important components to factor into a healthy lifestyle? In this guide, we explore three things you can’t go without if you want to live a happier and healthier life.
Sleep
It’ll come as no surprise that sleep is one of the most important pillars of good health. Good sleep health brings with it a whole host of benefits to both our bodies and our minds. Physically, sleep can support weight regulation, promote good heart health, boost our immune systems, and even reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions like kidney disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
When it comes to our mental health, there are a lot of alarming issues related to a poor sleep routine. Beyond the added stress and irritability we’re likely to experience the following day, research suggests that you may feel more anxious, depressed, or lonely as a result of sleeping problems. In addition, bad sleep can heighten the risk of experiencing psychotic episodes like mania or paranoia.
To improve your sleep (and your overall health), make a conscious effort to develop a better bedtime routine. That includes optimising your sleeping environment for comfort, minimising your use of digital devices late at night, and perhaps even modifying your daily routine so you aren’t eating or exercising too close to bedtime. If problems persist, don’t put off seeking professional medical advice, since sleep is so pivotal to our overall wellbeing.
Exercise
Exercise provides both immediate and long-term benefits to our wellbeing. In the short-term, you may notice an improved mood, reduced feelings of stress, higher energy levels and optimised cognitive function. In the long-run, committing to an effective exercise routine will yield further health benefits, including a lower risk of early death, stronger bones and muscles, weight management and promoting better sleep.
Experts recommend adults should aim to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week, or 75 minutes of more vigorous physical activity. While these may seem unrealistic targets for someone who doesn’t regularly factor exercise into their weekly routine, there are so many different ways to meet this quota without compromising on other life commitments. From online exercise and home-based workouts to simple movements that can be done while sitting at your desk, get a little creative with how you get your exercise done and you’ll soon see the minutes add up.
Nutrition
From a young age we’re all taught about the importance of eating a well-balanced diet, with regular reminders to eat our five-a-day. As we grow up and take more responsibility for the food we put inside our bodies, a ‘healthy diet’ goes far beyond ensuring you’ve eaten your fruit and veg. Food plays a vitally important role in keeping our minds and bodies working at their best. But what does it mean to eat a nutritious, balanced diet?
Eating a well-rounded, nourishing diet isn’t just about filling your stomach with food; it’s about fueling your body with the right nutrients to keep it functioning at its best. A balanced diet is one that includes a variety of foods from each food group in appropriate portions. It means choosing whole grains over processed foods, incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables, opting for lean protein sources, and limiting added sugars and saturated fats.
A nutritious, balanced diet can help to maintain a healthy weight, boost energy levels, and improve overall health and wellbeing. Healthy eating patterns have even been linked to longer lifespans and a reduced risk of developing chronic health conditions.
To supplement a good diet, another component of a healthy lifestyle is drinking enough water. The NHS recommends we should aim to drink around six to eight cups of water every day. This will help to regulate body temperature, protect your tissues and joints, maintain a healthy weight and support your cognitive function.
A multi-faceted approach to health
While each of these components will all offer their own advantages, only when they’re all working well together can we optimise their health benefits. The positive effects of a healthy lifestyle won’t be noticeable overnight; it’s important to make an ongoing commitment to improving each of these areas to live a longer and healthier life.
Madison Davis
e: madison.davis.media@gmail.com
