A new year is not required for setting new goals, especially when it comes to improving your health. In fact, now is a great time to incorporate a few healthy habits that will optimize your well-being. You can drastically improve your overall health by tweaking a few small things: fuel your body intentionally, giving your body the rest and sleep it needs, and moving your body more.
You can start living a better life immediately and optimize your health by implementing these three changes. Scroll on to learn more.
Fuel Your Body Intentionally
The food you feed your body directly affects your overall health. Certain foods can help or hurt your body and can directly influence things like heart, gut, and even mental health. Fad diets have been proven time and time again to fail. Whereas a lifestyle change seems to be much more sustainable. Intuitive eating is a revolutionary program that focuses on nurturing your body instead of depriving it. Eat when you are hungry and stop eating when you are full. The idea is to be intentional and purposeful when feeding your body.
When snacking, consider reaching for foods inside your fridge versus inside your pantry. The foods inside your pantry are likely high in added sugar or sodium and may contain preservatives and other additives that may hurt your health. The foods kept in your refrigerator, however, are fresh and provide the nutrients your body needs to survive and thrive.
Rest Your Body
Getting enough sleep is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Sleep deprivation is a common issue among adults today. Sleep deprivation can lead to disease, weight gain, and lowered brain functions like concentration, productivity, and cognition.
According to the Sleep Foundation, adults aged 18 and older need approximately 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep is important because it repairs and prepares the body for the next day. It is during the NREM sleep cycle that your body repairs and regrows tissues, cells, bones, and muscles. Sleep has also been proven to improve your immune system, memory, and mental and physical health.
Exercise More
The amount of exercise you get plays a significant role in your health. Regular exercise has many benefits: aids in weight loss, fight off disease, improves mood, increases energy levels, and promotes better sleep.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes or more of aerobic exercise weekly. Ideally, these minutes are spread throughout the week. They also advise adults to do “muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity, and that involve all main muscle groups on two or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits.”
Before starting an exercise program, always consult your doctor.
Contact Bear River Insurance
Drastically improve your physical and mental health by incorporating these three practices. For any of your health insurance needs or inquiries, please contact Bear River Insurance today.
