Even Simple Changes Can Improve Your Health
When it comes to health improvement, small changes can make a big difference However, lifestyle changes are often challenging to execute and achieve. While striving to accomplish significant health goals is commendable, the road to better health isn’t always paved with massive lifestyle alterations. Starting with many smaller steps that are much easier to adhere to can help to improve your overall health and your quality of life. These changes are ones that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine, so they are easier to maintain for the long haul. Even if your day only allows a few minutes of spare time, you can use that time to improve your wellness. You can start by incorporating one or more of the following wellness strategies into your day. Then, as they are practiced daily, these simple steps become habits that can add up to a significant positive effect on your overall health.
De-stress
Regular exercise, meditation, and breathing techniques are often recommended to help reduce stress. Even listening to calming music, reading a book, playing with your pet, or soaking in a tub can help you relax. Since stress can cause or worsen a number of health issues, taking steps to de-stress can help reduce the risk of these and more:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Migraines
- Ulcers
- Depression
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Obesity
Get more sleep
Most adults don’t get seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. A deficiency of quality sleep can add to your risk of disease, no matter your age, exercise habits, or weight. For optimal health, make a point of getting to be 15 minutes earlier each night and set a regular sleep and wake cycle.
Keep an eye on your posture and ergonomics
Next time you’re working at your desk or on spending time using the phone, take a moment to consider your posture. As you do, straighten your back, pull in your stomach, and place your feet flat on the floor with legs uncrossed. Assuming this posture can make you feel more relaxed, help to avoid back and neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Review the ergonomics at your workstation to help prevent muscle strain, eye strain, and other occupational injuries.
Manage your weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk for multiple diseases and health problems. Plus, women have another reason for keeping their weight in check. Weight reduction decreases the risk of pelvic floor disorders in the future. Pelvic floor disorders are more commonly seen in women who have given birth vaginally. However, it was recently discovered that even women who have never delivered a baby vaginally are at greater risk for urinary stress incontinence if they’re obese or overweight.
Make a few dietary changes
- Avoid white bread, rice, pasta, and crackers unless they are the healthier whole-grain versions.
- Replace a sugary drink with a glass of water.
- Snack on a handful of almonds or cashews, carrot sticks, a piece of whole fruit.
- Incorporate an extra serving of non-starchy vegetables
Looking forward
It’s never too early or too late to make small changes that lead to healthy habits. Not everyone can do it on their own, though, so you should seek out a wellness professional in your local area for help and guidance. With help, you can build the foundation for a lifetime of health.