Many of us are more concerned about our mental and physical health these days than ever before, yet with so much contradictory information out there, it’s not always easy to know which advice to follow. However, when you boil it down to the essentials, there are a few simple tips you can adhere to that will go a long way towards enabling you to maintain a healthy body and mind. Here are four of the best.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
Food is perhaps the area in which we see the most varied advice, with people suggesting you should follow everything from paleo to keto diets. In reality, though, you don’t have to be quite so strict with yourself.
Simply eat a balanced diet containing lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, oily fish, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Meanwhile, you want to avoid having too much sugar, red meat, salt, and processed foods. Likewise, it’s advisable to cut down on alcohol and sodas and drink plenty of water instead. Finally, if you are concerned that you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals from your diet, you can always use an iherb discount code to stock up on supplements.
2. Do Regular Exercise
Staying active is one of the most effective ways to stay mentally and physically healthy. Exercise can reduce your risk of developing all sorts of health conditions, from obesity and heart disease to cancer, and improve mood and general wellbeing. The best part is that there are so many different types of activities out there to choose from.
For example, you could hit the gym, go running, join a dance class, take up a martial art, go on long hikes, try swimming, or learn a new sport. It’s never too late to start, so why not test out a few possibilities and see which you enjoy the most?
3. Focus on Sleep
In today’s modern world, many of us are suffering from a lack of sleep. Yet getting plenty of rest is absolutely crucial for our mind and body to function properly. The occasional sleepless night is ok, but long-term sleep deprivation can harm our memory, concentration, motor skills, and judgment. It also increases the risk of a number of conditions such as depression and heart failure. You can boost the amount and quality of sleep you get by sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and screen time late at night, and minimizing light and noise in your bedroom.
4. Make Time for Self-Care
The importance of looking after your wellbeing cannot be overstated. Self-care can be an effective way to tackle stress, which is vital because stress can hugely damage our mental and physical health. Try relaxing in a hot bath, taking long walks in the countryside, curling up with a good book, or trying meditation and breathing exercises. The activity can be almost anything, as long as it leaves you feeling calm and positive.
Be sure to spend lots of time with your friends and family too, because meaningful social connections are key for a long and happy life.