Simple ways to improve your health
How does one attain optimal health and wellness? What does it mean to be healthy and well?
According to the World Health Organization health is “a state of physical, mental and social well-being, not simply the absence of injury or disease. “ (1)
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of health.” (2)
There are considered to be pillars of health, which are fundamentals that contribute to health.
Movement
Your body was designed to move and it thrives on it!
The benefits of regular physical activity are numerous. It improves brain and nervous system health by giving it the sensory input that it requires to function and be healthy. Strengthens your bones and muscles. Improves mental health by helping to relieve stress by releasing Endorphins. Your risk of disease is diminished. You are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. Endurance, balance and coordination are also improved and you’re able to function better.
Nutrition
We’ve all heard the phrase,”You are what you eat.” The food that we consume provides the building blocks for all processes in our body. Nutrition may seem complicated but to keep it simple here are the rules I stick to.
Eat an abundance of vegetables and fruits. Reduce your intake of highly processed foods and alcohol. Eat a variety of food that include: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Focus on the quality of your food. Lastly, it’s ok to indulge occasionally and have a slice of pizza, cake or a cocktail. Consume these things in moderation.
Hydration
Why is water consumption so vital? The body is composed of roughly 60% water!
Water is essential for nearly every process in our bodies. It helps our brain, muscles, joints, cardiovascular and digestive systems to function optimally
Aim to drink the equivalent of your body weight in ounces of water daily. Drink water that is clean and free from impurities.
Rest
Sleep and rest are essential for the body’s recovery and repair processes. Getting adequate sleep positively impacts brain function, mental health, and all other body processes. Simply put, try to get as much quality sleep as possible. A reasonable goal is to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
World Health Organization. (n.d). Constitution of the World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution.
Global Wellness Institute. (n.d.). What Is Wellness? https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/what-is-wellness.