Hello everyone!
If there’s one thing that all humans have in common, is wanting to live a long, happy and healthy life. However, for some, this isn’t the case due to illnesses or injuries picked up along the way. While these things are unpredictable, there are ways that you can make sure you’re taking care of your health properly so that even if you are unwell or injured, you can recover and live a healthy life.
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1. Don’t avoid the doctors.
We’re all a little guilty of this when life gets busy. Not only that, getting an appointment with a doctor can be a challenge. However, if you put off what might only seem like a minor illness could either prolong your recovery or turn into something much larger. Even if your doctor tells you you’ve a case of the common cold, knowing that’s all it is will give you great peace of mind.
Even if you don’t necessarily need to see the doctor, going in once a year for a blood pressure, weight and height check is a good idea. Keeping an eye on these things regularly can pick up any issues faster, meaning you can resolve them faster too.
Choosing a good pharmacist is key to ensuring you stay healthy too. Look for one that follows patient adherence solutions and tailors the care they provide to your needs such as prescription deliveries or ordering your medication in plenty of time. Doing this means you won’t ever be without the medication you need and can continue to feel the best way possible.
2. Listen to your body.
The human body is a weird and wonderful thing. Our bodies can pick up on small changes that don’t feel quite right, even if it’s just a feeling or thought in your head. Even if you haven’t been unwell or injured in any way, it’s worth getting yourself checked out to see if there’s an underlying issue.
Perhaps you’re feeling a little more sluggish than normal, or you’re finding it harder to climb the stairs? Don’t ignore it! It could be a sign from your body to change your everyday habits, which I’ll talk more about below.
3. Stop smoking!
You don’t need to be lectured on why smoking is bad for you. You know it could kill you, you know it’s draining your money, and you know that those who don’t smoke can smell it on you. Saying that quitting smoking is no easy feat, and if cold turkey simply doesn’t work for you, try some of these things:
- Chew nicotine gum to help distract you and gently wean yourself from nicotine.
- Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about how they could help you quit smoking. They may be able to offer medication to help kick the habit.
- Consider trying hypnosis. Many proven hypnosis tapes out there can help you quit smoking for good.
- Look online for tips and tricks to help ditch the habit.
- Consider switching to vapes to wean yourself off cigarettes. While quitting smoking altogether is preferable, vapes are less harmful.
It’s not going to be easy, but when you’ve kicked the habit you’ll not only be giving your health a massive helping hand, but you’ll save money and smell better too. Those who have successfully quit smoking have also said that their taste buds changed for the better too.
4. Moderate your alcohol.
While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink or two every now and then, it’s also very easy to just have “another one” and end up drunker than you planned. Some people use alcohol as a way to escape the day to forget their problems. The problem here is that binge drinking can seriously harm your body. Not only are hangovers horrible, but there are other long-term effects it can have on your body.
Alcohol damages your liver, which could lead to cirrhosis, a condition that permanently scars your liver and in turn, reduces its function. Teach yourself to know when to stop drinking or limit how often you drink to avoid this. If you’re finding it difficult to know when to stop or to quit drinking altogether, seek medical help. Cirrhosis can dramatically reduce your lifespan, so taking action now is essential.
5. Balance your dinner plate.
Regardless of your weight, you should always strive to eat balanced meals. Even if you don’t need to lose or gain any weight, your body needs nutrients from all different kinds of foods. Balance your dinner plate with proteins, vegetables and carbohydrates.
It’s realistic to think that there’s a good chance not every meal you eat will be balanced, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make up for it later in the day. Aim for 5 different fruits and vegetables a day, drink plenty of water, and you should be able to balance the odd cheat meal every now and then.
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6. Lose weight
If you’re overweight you’re putting your body under some serious strain. Your organs have to work harder, and you’re at a higher risk of heart failure, diabetes, some forms of cancer, and other serious diseases.
No matter how much weight you’ve got to lose, it’s not something that many people find easy. It’s important to remember that it won’t happen overnight, and slip-ups will happen! Here are some tips that will help you stay on track and lose those pounds you need to:
Plate your dinner on a smaller plate with a smaller portion size.
Many of us think that we need to finish all of the food on our plates, but this is not the case! However, if you do feel the need to finish all of it, plating up a smaller portion on a smaller plate will help reduce overeating while leaving you feeling satisfied.
Put down your knife and fork between each mouthful.
It takes time for the brain and stomach to communicate to let you know you’re full. Putting down your cutlery between each mouthful gives your body a chance to adjust and decide whether or not you’re full. You’ll find you’re full faster, and you can slowly begin to reduce your portion sizes further.
Only eat until hunger is satisfied.
The body isn’t good at digesting large amounts of food in one sitting. It’s actually better to eat smaller portions but more often, and to stop eating when the feeling of hunger goes away. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll waste food as you can put it away and finish it later.
Don’t eat just because it’s mealtime.
Everyone is guilty of this at some point. Lunchtime rolls around at work and you eat because it’s the social norm. However, if you’re not actually hungry, then you’re consuming unnecessary calories. Wait until you feel hungry to eat.
Know the difference between hunger and thirst.
Did you know that the symptoms of hunger are similar to those of thirst? If you’re feeling peckish, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes. More often than not you’ll find that you were simply thirsty. If after the 10 minutes are up you’re still hungry, then go ahead and have something to eat, following the tips above.
7. Get some me time.
Me time is so important. What you choose to do in your time is completely up to you. Allowing yourself time to be alone and reset your brain is really good for your mental health. Whether that’s taking a long bubble bath, going for a walk in the park, or simply curling up on the sofa with a blanket is completely up to you.
Me time might even involve practising self-care like popping on a face mask, eating a nutritious meal, or even getting yourself into bed earlier. Whatever it is, it will help support and promote a positive mental attitude.
8. Go outside!
The outdoors is so good for your health. Fresh air can do wonders for your mental health. Being outside doesn’t mean you have to go for a run, it could mean a bike ride or kicking a ball around with some friends. Whatever you choose to do, it can help relieve stress, improve your mood, improve your physical health and help promote an active lifestyle. The great part about simply getting outside is that you don’t necessarily have to spend any money to have fun!
9. Socialise more.
Finally, making time to socialise is also very important for your mental health. It’s only natural for humans to crave human interaction and intimacy. Being isolated can bring on feelings of inadequacy and anxieties. The pandemic meant that nobody could socialise, and many have felt the effects of that since. Invite some friends over or meet them at a restaurant. It might be difficult at first, but the more you socialise, the more confidence you’ll gain and those feelings of anxiety will subside.
Taking care of your health should be a priority, and following these simple tips can make a big difference. By listening to your body, making healthier choices in terms of smoking and alcohol consumption, and being mindful of portion sizes, you can take control of your well-being. Additionally, it's important to remember that self-care extends beyond just physical health. Taking time for yourself, enjoying the outdoors, and nurturing social connections are all essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.
Talk soon,
