Don't Count on Luck for Good Health
By Donna Stark
You probably don't want to hear this, but it's important to know that your overall health and wellness aren't dependent on how lucky or unlucky you are. You are responsible for it, which means if you want to maintain or improve the level of health you have now, you need to make wise decisions every single day. I'm sure that as a child, your parents taught you that actions have consequences. Well, that couldn't be truer with your general well-being, so let's take a look at some of the daily habits that can make or break it.
Nutrition
Most people know that a healthy diet filled with nutrient-dense foods can help a person maintain or lose weight, but that's just the beginning of the benefits you will receive. Good nutrition will also help improve your overall health in the following ways.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancers, and osteoporosis
- Helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol level
- Sharpens your cognitive skills
- Increases your ability to fight off and recover from illnesses
- Fills your body with natural energy
Stress
Did you know that stress is often called the silent killer? If so, have you taken any steps to reduce some of it from your life? Stress can impact your ability to learn new things, impair the function of your immune system, decrease bone density, and increase the risk of serious health issues. On top of that, it can also damage relationships and affect your sleep and work. If you are looking for more ideas on how to reduce stress and anxiety from your days, take a look at the following suggestions.
- Practice deep breathing exercises
- Exercise daily
- Journal
- Create to-do lists
- Manage your time
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member
Movement
You need to move your body. It seems like such a simple concept, yet so many people are stuck in a very sedentary world. We sit at school and at work, and then we go home and sit there too. We've made sitting the most popular activity to do and that's unfortunate because excess sitting can lead to a host of serious health conditions. Here are some simple suggestions on how to incorporate more movement into your days.
- Use a standing desk when possible
- Set a reminder to stand and stretch every hour
- Take a walk over lunch
- Walk during phone or conference calls
- Park far from store entrances
- Skip the elevator and use the stairs
- Do a few squats or lunges while brushing your teeth
- Walk on a treadmill while watching TV
Don't Count on Luck
Forget luck. Take control of your actions and your overall health and wellness by making smart lifestyle decisions every day. With the simple tips above, you can look forward to many healthier days ahead!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Colo.