We all know how important it is to stay healthy—our health is the foundation upon which we do everything. Think about it—if you suddenly lost your ability to walk, to think, to breathe, to eat, where would that leave you? Many of us take our health for granted when it comes to day-to-day life.
This year, make your health your priority. Even just by changing some simple things about your life, you can make sure your health is at the top of your priority list. Follow these tips for making your health a priority in 2016!
Eat Healthier
Of course you’ve heard this one before—but really, take it to heart. Take an objective look at your diet and figure out what, if anything, needs to change. The truth is that we could all do a little better when it comes to eating healthier. Do you eat plenty of leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean proteins? If not, figure out where you can add them in.
Processed foods are full of preservatives, unhealthy fats, and sugar. While these foods are easy to make and tempting to pick up at the supermarket, try more fresh foods. Oranges are easy to peel and eat at the office. Apple’s take even less effort. Pack baby carrots and hummus rather than stopping for a bag of potato chips during the break. Even these small changes can make a big difference!
Make a Commitment to Exercise
Exercising doesn’t always have to be an obligation—it can fun and function as part of your “me” time. Do something you love, whether it be jogging, bicycling, or dancing. Any form of exercise that boosts your heart rate for 30 minutes is great.
Consider light weight training, yoga, or swimming if you aren’t into many cardio exercises. The point is to get your body moving and to make a commitment to do it this year. Even a few times a week can make a difference in your health. Every day is even better!
Deal with Stress
We all experience stress, and all of us experience stress differently. What is stressful to one person won’t necessarily be stressful to another. The important thing is that you handle your stress. This could mean taking time off from work, going for a walk, or simply having a cup of tea.
Taking time to prioritize your tasks can also help manage your stress. Stress ages your body and puts you at risk for more health problems than you may realize. High blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and even heart disease are all influenced by stress. Stress management is essential for your health in 2016—and it’s even better if you can work to minimize stress in your daily life.
Don’t Ignore the Mind-Body Connection
Your body and mind are inherently connected—one cannot exist without the other. This means that taking care of your body means taking care of your mind, and the opposite is true as well. The mind-body connection shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re worried about something, your body is impacted by the psychological stress you’re experiencing.
Remember that our minds and bodies are dependent on one another. This is an important reason to take even better care of your health this year!
Making your health your priority begins with recognizing areas that could benefit from change. Evaluate different areas of your life. Could you eat more vegetables? Exercise more? Turn down more tasks at work? Be mindful of how you create your environment. Taking care of your body is essential for health well into old age, especially your urological health. Be happy and healthy in 2016!