Most of us are striving to live healthier lives. But some people can really struggle to see the results of an improved lifestyle. Of course, there are many factors that affect our health. Diet and exercise play a part but they’re not always the answer. Every one of us is different. We are different shapes and sizes. And we have different genetic backgrounds to consider too. So what is the answer to improved health and longevity?
Medicines
If you have long-term health problems or medical conditions, you may be keen to do whatever you can to reduce the effects of the symptoms. One of the best ways to do this is with the prescribed medication your doctor offered. But medicines can also have side effects. Many illnesses need prescribed medication to combat them or make them more manageable. And there are plenty of others that can be controlled, improved, and even cured by other means. Diet and exercise to control weight can help in some cases. And changes to your lifestyle may also help improve the situation.
Quit
All of us have those guilty little pleasures that we enjoy. For some it’s chocolate. For others it’s alcohol. There are many more on the list! But we feel guilty about the pleasure we gain from them because we know they’re not really good for us. Quitting can be an incredibly hard thing to do, though. Instead of taking them out of your life altogether, you may be able to enjoy these things in smaller quantities and less often. This can make them less harmful.
One thing you should absolutely quit is smoking. There is no denying the dangers to your health if you smoke cigarettes. But many people enjoy smoking, and some people find giving up the nicotine can be too hard to do. One solution is ecigarettes. These devices allow you to enjoy inhaling in a similar way to smoking. And the eliquids you buy for them can provide the right quantity of nicotine to suit you, or none at all. Best of all, with the choices you can find from Flavour Factory Eliquids and other brands, you’ll enjoy the taste.
Work
Working too hard can be harmful to your health. Stress can cause lots of problems for the body and the mind. Finding a good balance between your working life and your personal life isn’t always easy. But it is important. There are many ways to alleviate stress. You can try Yoga or Tai Chi to help relax the body and focus the mind. You can try meditation or sauna. Massages can help the muscles relax after a tough day, or even after a physical workout.
Work is important to ensure you have a reliable income to support your lifestyle. But there needs to be enough down time to enjoy that money! Find hobbies and interests to enjoy in the evenings or at weekends. ‘Me’ time is very important, even if you have a family to care for. Try to leave work at work for the best balance. The light from mobile devices can prevent you from falling asleep at night time. It’s best to turn these things off at least half an hour before bed.
Active
Staying active during your waking hours can be more important than exercise or workouts. We’re not built to be sat down barely moving for eight hours a day. Standing desks and walking meetings can be the best way to stay active in the workplace. You should avoid sitting at your desk for your lunch too. Get up, go for a walk, and enjoy some fresh air as you eat your food. Use bathroom breaks and the watercooler as excuses to get up from your desk as often as you can. You can use apps to track your progress.
After a long day in the office, it can be very tempting to lay on the sofa watching TV all evening. However, you could use this time for an extra hour of activity. Play a musical instrument, or get the laundry done. Go for a walk to the local shop to pick up tomorrow’s sandwich. You could even try some home exercises in front of the TV! Keeping your body moving is excellent for your circulation. And with your heart rate slightly elevated for longer, you’ll be burning even more calories.
Eat And Drink
It’s true that what you eat can be very important. A diet filled with processed foods and saturated fats can be harmful to your health. You may feel sluggish, and your appearance may suffer too. Fluid retention and excess weight may affect you with a poor diet. But worse still, you may be undernourished. If you don’t eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, you’re unlikely to be getting all the nutrients your body needs for good health. Something as simple as an extra glass of water each day can have a dramatic effect.
Vitamins and minerals affect most of our bodily systems. They can help improve your metabolism and they can make sure your immune system is in good shape. They affect the quality of your skin, hair and nails. And vitamins are essential for healthy eyesight and cognitive function too. Protein supports muscle strength and calcium provides the bones with strength. It’s not always easy to eat healthily. But a home-cooked meal each evening can go a long way to improving your health.
Any changes to your diet or exercise program may not have immediate positive effects. A detox may be able to speed things along. But change is hard. It takes a lot of tenacity and patience to stick with it and see the results you’re looking for. The first week will always be the hardest. You may feel more tired, more hungry, and even crave the sweet stuff. But if you can get through the first seven days, the next seven could be easier.
Sleep is one of the most important factors when it comes to good health. Eating well, exercising and staying active will all help you achieve good quality sleep. And relaxing your body and mind in the evenings is just as important for helping you drift off to the land of nod.
