There are few more valuable assets in life than a healthy body. Health and wellness are, therefore, something that’s worth investing time, money, and effort into. Doing so might help you to avoid suffering later in life – and to enjoy immediate benefits, too. After developing the right habits, you might find that you look and feel much better.
But for some people, making the switch to a healthy lifestyle can seem daunting. Let’s take a look at a few good ways to approach this problem.
Schedule Regular Health Check-ups
The earlier you get yourself checked for a particular health condition, the better. Conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes can be prevented when the warning signs are detected early. If you develop cancer, then early diagnosis might vastly improve your chances of successfully treating the disease.
If you’re aged 40 to 74, you can get a free health check on the NHS. You will then be invited back every five years. If you’re willing to go private, you might benefit from more regular, and more exhaustive, testing.
It’s also possible (and desirable) to get tested for a specific illness, if you think you’re at risk of it. For example, a chlamydia test might provide peace of mind to those entering into a new sexual relationship.
Adopt a Balanced Diet
The food and drink you consume might play a big role in your health outcomes. According to the Eatwell Guide, a diet that incorporates many vegetables, a little bit of fruit, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins is best. This generally means learning how to cook food yourself, and how to shop for it, too. The middle aisles of the supermarket are to be avoided. If you don’t eat anything that comes from a packet with a list of more than one ingredient, then you can be reasonably sure of what you’re eating.
Prioritise Mental Well-being
The health of your body is intimately connected to the health of your mind. If you neglect one, then the other will suffer, too. You might think of the ‘runner’s high’ you get during an exercise session, or the feeling of depression that comes with spending too long sitting down.
But you can also support your overall health by paying attention to your mental health. You can find various free resources thanks to the NHS. It’s also worth accessing talking therapies, and considering practices like mediation. A few minutes a day can help to provide mental clarity, and to protect your mind in the same way that regular exercise protects your body.
Incorporate Movement into Your Daily Routine
Finding time to exercise isn’t always easy. Perhaps the easiest way to develop the right habits is to incorporate movement into your routine. Walk to work every day. Cycle longer distances. Shun the elevator in favour of the stairs. Install a pull-up bar, and do hangs while the kettle boils. Small wins like this can make a difference, even if you’re not running miles every day.