Exercise and nutrition go a long way
At times we take our good health for granted until we get sick. When the Covid-19 pandemic began, there were a lot of changes from the way we worked to how we spent our free time. As a lot of us experienced sickness and loss, it made us realize the importance of good health. With the world slowly opening itself up again, let us take the lessons that the pandemic is teaching us (it’s not yet over!) about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and welcome the New Year with the promise of improving our health.
• Take in the right food. Consume what benefits the body, and we know that consumption of fruits, vegetables, and protein helps you manage your weight and keep it off as well.
Covid-19 was an unexpected event that lost countless lives around the world. Luckily, the currrent technology allowed vaccines to be available in record time. We know, however, that we cannot rely on vaccines alone. We know that those who have medical conditions are at a higher risk if they catch the disease. Maintaining good health is still our best defense against Covid-19 or any sickness. In fact, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies, those who exercise more often have better outcomes from Covid-19 infection than those who don’t. Not only does physical activity contribute to better health, it also improves mental health, promotes better sleep, and lowers the risk of other diseases, according to CDC. But exercise is not the only thing that matters when it comes to better overall health. There is proper nutrition, rest and relaxation, stress management, and avoiding poor habits.
Here are H-E-A-L-T-H-Y tips to start your journey to better health in 2023. Be consistent until it becomes a habit.
• Hone in on managing your weight. Your BMI should be at a normal range of 18.5 and 24.9.
• Exercise. Find time to move as much as you can. To make exercise easier, choose activities you like or enjoy doing. Even walking is better than not doing anything at all.
• Avoid sugar, smoking, and alcohol. These food items may not make you sick overnight, but regular consumption can lead to serious problems down the road—diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, and more.
• Learn to relax. Meditation has a host of benefits that include stress relief and better focus. Relaxing also means listening to music, taking nature walks, dancing, and yoga.
Not only does physical activity contribute to better health, it also improves mental health, promotes better sleep, and lowers the risk of other diseases.
• Have regular check-ups. To make sure that your body is functioning well, it is best to do annual scans to keep yourself in check.
• Yes to rest. Ideally, sleep before midnight and get six to eight hours of quality sleep each night.
Our body is a powerful machine that is programmed to help us thrive. This is why we should continue to provide it with proper rest, exercise, and nourishment to keep it strong and functioning well. If we take care of it, it will take care of us too.