People say that health is wealth. It’s gospel truth as health determines the Quality of Life (QOL). How can one live life to the fullest if they are sick? They won’t be able to make the most of their lives. That’s why good health is tantamount to a quality life. Hence, it is safe to say that good health is indeed life’s greatest treasure.
Let’s take, for instance, the COVID-19 crisis. If anything, the pandemic has taught us to go back to the basics — ensuring our health and well-being. It’s not just about protecting the physical body from the various strains of novel coronavirus. It’s also about fostering mental health and preventing mental disorders.
There are a handful of ways to promote your health and wellness. However, they all boil down to developing and acquiring good lifestyle habits. With that being said, here’s how to have a healthy and active lifestyle:
1. Have a healthy diet and good nutrition
For the most part, what you eat determines your overall health and well-being. When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, start by being wary of what foods you prepare and consume. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating healthy and nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. They also suggest foods from animal sources like lean meat, fish, eggs, and milk. However, they warn of having too much fat, salt, and sugar consumption.
2. Ensure enough hydration
It’s crucial to keep yourself always hydrated. Dehydration can lead to several health issues, such as disorientation, mood swing, overheated body, constipation, and kidney problems. As far as the daily fluid intake is concerned, men should consume 15. 5 cups of fluids a day, while women should have at least 11.5 cups. Still, the best course of action is to drink a lot of water every day. In addition, avoid carbonated drinks, artificial juices, and alcohol. Be sure to limit your coffee and tea intake as well.
3. Stay physically active
A sedentary lifestyle can be extremely harmful to your health. Let’s take, for instance, the COVID-19 crisis. Due to the pandemic restrictions, many individuals have stayed indoors and spent most of their time online. As a result, they begin to have health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Hence, stay as physically active as possible. Apart from hitting the gym, pursue activities such as walking, jogging, running, playing sports, having outdoor gardening, and even doing household chores.
4. Maintain communication and social interaction
An essential part of a healthy lifestyle is having constant communication and maintaining social interaction. For one, have a support group you can regularly communicate. They can be your family members, friends, or colleagues. During a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, they must be there for you. On the other hand, it’s best to maintain social interaction with other people. Yes, doing so has become a challenge during this pandemic. But thanks to digital tools and communication technologies, they have allowed you to interact with other people virtually.
5. Enjoy your hobbies and pursue your interests
A lot of people are busy and preoccupied with work and their lives. They tend to forget how to enjoy and have fun. They most likely put their hobbies and interests in the backseat. However, it’s crucial to maintain a work-life balance. That said, be sure to have some time to relax and unwind. Enjoy your hobbies like binge-watching, listening to music, and reading books. Pursue your interests like cooking and baking and making arts and crafts.
6. Practice self-care
Self-care has become a buzzword in modern times. It has become all the more relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the crisis, you must take good care of yourself. Self-care entails looking after yourself. It involves eating healthily, working out regularly, and getting enough sleep. It also includes self-pampering like treating yourself, going to a spa, or visiting an esthetic clinic. Lastly, it can even mean having ‘me’ time and doing absolutely nothing at all.
7. See health professionals regularly
Fostering health and wellness involves seeking health care from health professionals. In fact, it’s essential to see your doctor regularly to get routine medical checkups and health screenings. These include a physical exam, cholesterol check, blood pressure check, diabetes test, colonoscopy, bone density test, prostate cancer screening (for men), and mammogram (for women). If you notice a tumor growing in your body, for instance, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. You’ll most likely be asked to have an open and upright MRI and necessary blood tests.
Good health for quality life
For the most part, good health translates to a quality life. At this point, you now know what it takes to have a physically active and healthy lifestyle. Consider the lifestyle tips recommended above, from having a proper diet and nutrition to seeing health professionals regularly. If you want a quality life, start by taking good care of yourself. By doing so, you’ll foster your overall health and well-being.
