The saying “health is wealth” is truer than ever as the world continues to battle COVID-19. Everyone’s trying to boost their immune systems while practicing social distancing measures and other health safety protocols. With the threat of COVID-19 lurking at every corner, now is the best time to focus on how you can improve your health.
Fortunately, the road to better health doesn’t always require making huge leaps. Sure, you can benefit from investing in your health by buying health insurance coverage. But there are also little ways you can improve your health and overall quality of life.
Even if you have only a few minutes to spare, you can use this short time to improve your health. Whether it’s getting some good sleep or reading up on heavy cream nutrition before making that dessert, the small things you do make big wonders.
Consider incorporating the following strategies into your day. When these simple steps become habits, they can strengthen your health.
Go to Bed Earlier
The body needs good sleep to heal. During the night, it heals worn-out muscles and tissues due to the day’s demands. So, if you’re not getting seven or more hours of sleep, you’re increasing your risk of a stroke or a heart attack – regardless of your weight, age or exercise habits.
If you’re always sleep-deprived, go to bed 15 minutes earlier every night to prepare your body for sleep. Keep your gadget away from you, too. The light from your phone can keep you up. Also, set a regular sleep schedule and stick to it – even on days off.
Don’t Forget to De-Stress
Breathing techniques, meditation, and regular exercise can help you reduce stress. But something as simple – and enjoyable – as reading your favorite book, listening to a soothing playlist, playing with your pet or soaking in a hot tub can help you de-stress.
Take this advice to heart because too much stress can worsen many health problems, such as ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, ulcers and migraines.
If you don’t have a lot of time, don’t let this stress you out. Brief periods of relaxation are still good for your health.
Spend at least 10 minutes at a time doing something you enjoy. For example, read a chapter of your favorite book or take your dog for a walk around the block to feel more refreshed and energized. If you can’t take a full break, try taking a few slow, deep breaths. When you slow down your breathing, it helps you relax.
Unwinding can also mean taking care of your appearance: going shopping, getting a haircut, getting good quality porcelain veneers in Raleigh, or exercising. No matter what it is that relaxes you, do it. It’s very important to give yourself a break every once in a while.
Put Away the Salt
If you’re like some people, salt is your best friend when it comes to adding flavor to your food. But the saltshaker on the dining table, which makes it easier to consume more salt, can lead to high blood pressure. So, if you want to take better care of your health, put the shaker in the pantry or a cabinet and use it only when you’re cooking.
Also, taste your food before you add salt to it. Some dishes do well with less salt.
If you want to add flavor to your food without using salt, spice it up with lime or lemon juice, red pepper flakes, herbs, garlic or salt-free seasonings. Always keep a stable supply of your favorite dried herbs so you can use them instead of salt.
Have a Glass of Red Wine
Who would have thought Wine Nights are good for you? Studies have shown that red wine contains powerful antioxidants that protect you against colon cancer, heart disease, depression and anxiety. So unless there is a medical reason you shouldn’t consume wine, enjoy a glass of merlot with your dinner.
But always drink in moderation. A small amount of red wine is good for your but too much alcohol – even red wine – can trigger different health problems, such as cancer and kidney and liver disease.
Weigh In
Maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk for stroke, heart disease and some types of cancer. But for women, there’s another reason to shed the excess pounds: it decreases your risk for pelvic floor disorders. This condition is more common for women who have given birth vaginally.
Substitute A Few Things in Your Diet
A few dietary substitutions positively impact your health. You can do the following:
- Replace sugar drinks (e.g. juice and soda) with a tall glass of water.
- Use skinless turkey and chicken in your recipes. With pork or beef, go for leaner cuts.
- Swap rice, white bread, pasta and crackers for healthier whole-grain versions.
- If you get hungry between meals, snack on some cashews or almonds, a piece of whole fruit, or celery sticks dipped in hummus instead of potato chips or candy bars.
If you’re making dinner for the family, serve spinach or broccoli as a side dish instead of mashed potatoes. If you’re making a sandwich, add slices of yellow or red pepper to it.
Now is the best time to adopt healthy habits for the sake of your health. It’s never too early or too late to be healthier.