Adopting Healthy Habits to Look and Feel Your Best
In today's fast-paced world, many people find themselves faced with work stress, family obligations, and social pressures. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you feel pulled in so many different directions, and unfortunately, self-care often takes a backseat to more urgent demands.
However, neglecting yourself is not the answer. Research shows that your physical and mental well-being can impact your quality of life and state of happiness. To ensure you feel your best and are well-equipped to handle the demands that life presents you, consider these healthy suggestions from Cleveland Health and Wellness Center.
Improve Sleep
If you make a list of self-care priorities, sleep should be at the top. Your brain and body need quality rest to perform optimally. For example, being sleep-deprived has been linked to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and focus problems.
Inadequate sleep can also take a toll on your physical well-being. When you ensure you are getting the rest you need, you reward yourself with better health:
More stable blood sugar
Higher sex drive
Increased fertility
Better weight control
Less heart disease
Stronger immunity
To improve your sleep habits, aim to get the recommended seven to nine hours of rest each night. Also, schedule when you go to sleep and when you wake up. This gives your body a chance to adapt to a routine and reinforces your body's circadian rhythm. Other helpful habits include limiting your caffeine and alcohol consumption late in the day and keeping your bedroom dark, cool, and technology-free.
Prioritize Relaxation
Integrating purposeful relaxation into your day can improve your sleep and convey other health benefits as well. For example, meditation encourages you to focus on your thoughts and breath while staying relaxed and centered. The resulting mindfulness relieves stress and makes you happier.
Be Active
The sedentary lifestyle has become increasingly common both in the United States and abroad. Unfortunately, sitting for long stretches of time can cause health problems:
Muscle and bone weakness
Weight gain
Heart disease
Diabetes
Mental health issues
To fight against this, integrate more movement into your daily life. For example, walk or bike to your destination whenever possible. Multitasking can also help. Use a standing desk for work and try to go for a walk during phone calls.
Exercising regularly also needs to be prioritized. To look and feel your best, plan workouts that include strength training, cardio, and stretching. Also, choose physical activities you enjoy to increase your odds for consistency and long-term success.
Utilize Technology
As technology continues to develop, innovations are changing the way we approach health. For example, combining a sleep app with a smartwatch can help you fall asleep, track your sleep cycles, and provide you with helpful information to optimize your nighttime habits.
Pair your smartphone with a budget fitness tracker to up your fitness game. They can work together to measure your time and distance, monitor your heart, calculate your calories, and track your health goals. Additionally, workout apps can be a great source of motivation and guidance.
While the demands of life can feel overwhelming, protect yourself by prioritizing your health and well-being. By prioritizing self-care, you can look and feel your best, and ultimately, be more prepared to handle life's pressures.
Cleveland Health and Wellness Center provides compassionate and holistic mental health care for adults, adolescents, and children. Our approach recognizes the whole person, mind and body. We specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, stress, addiction, and relationship issues. Request an appointment to get started!