3 Ways You're Totally Ruining Your Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sometimes we make taking care of our health extremely complicated. We worry about all of the big things -- major disease, injury, and long-term plans for care. And while these things are definitely important, there are a lot of little habits that may greatly affect our health, whether good or bad. The good habits -- things like exercise and a healthy diet -- are easy to remember. But what about the bad habits? Could we be ruining our health and not even know it? If you’re ready to get serious about improving your health and taking care of your body, take a look at these three ways you’re probably ruining your health, followed by some tips for turning it around.
Ignoring Body Cues
If we’re in tune with our bodies, we’ll know when something is amiss. Our bodies are great at telling us what’s going on, but we have to learn how to listen. Get in touch with your body’s cues. Are there certain foods that cause inflammation? Are there exercises that cause more pain than benefit? If you listen to your body, you may be able to make small changes to your routine that lead you toward better health in no time.
Resisting Sleep
Are you really and truly getting enough sleep? For the vast majority of people, the answer to this question is a big fat no. We just don’t take sleep seriously enough. Sleep is one of the most important things that we can do for our overall well-being. We need sleep so that our bodies can heal and grow. We need sleep so that we can focus. We need sleep to stay alive! If you’re not getting enough sleep, start with this crucial step and you’ll be well on your way to better health.
Avoiding the Doctor
So many adults avoid the doctor until the last possible minute. Why? As kids, we are expected to go to the doctor for regular checkups. As adults, we just stop making this a priority. Often times, we skip because we think the doctor is going to lecture us or make us feel bad for our life choices. A good doctor won’t do this. They’ll listen to your concerns, help make a plan of action, and give us advice. If you avoid the doctor, make an appointment today and turn this bad habit around.
While there are absolutely conditions and illnesses that are way outside of our control, much of our health is actually within our reach. All we have to do is change our habits and make good choices. If you’re ruining your health -- especially with one of these bad habits above -- make a plan to turn things around. With a little planning and self-discipline, you can build better health and wellness to last the rest of your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Folsom, Calif.