What would you give in exchange for better health? Rather than waiting for things to go downhill before making changes for better mental, psychological, and physical health, why not commit to making the types of lifestyle changes that’ll boost the odds of enjoying good health?
It’s possible that you’re doing things that may ultimately harm your overall quality of life. But the good news is that there are things you can do — starting today — to get a new lease on life.
Keep reading to look at four things you can start doing today for better overall health now and going forward.
1. Get Plenty of Sleep
Are you getting sufficient sleep every night? If you’re an adult, you should strive for at least seven hours of quality shut-eye every night. The key term here is “quality sleep.” If you get up a bunch of times at night to use the bathroom or experience symptoms like gasping for air, you should see your doctor to find out if there’s an underlying problem like a sleep disorder.
There are many health issues connected with a chronic lack of quality sleep. Consider the following:
- High blood pressure
- Compromised immunity
- Mood swings
- Diabetes risk
- Weight gain
2. Drink Enough Water
It’s also essential to ensure you drink enough water. A rule of thumb is to consume six to eight glasses of water daily. But that’s just a general rule since the reality is that the amount you need to drink depends on various factors like your weight, your activity level, and more.
If you’re not drinking enough water daily, you might not appreciate how much harm you do to your health. Health problems you can experience if you don’t drink enough water include the following:
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Higher risk of stroke
- Mental fog
3. Go In for Regular Checkups
Are you going in for regular annual checkups at your family doctor? It’s a good idea to do so. But you should also make appointments to see your doctor if you experience issues you want your doctor to check out. Making a point of seeing your doctor when you should will help to identify any problems that need to be looked at more closely.
Some diseases, such as rare types of cancer like mesothelioma, can be better treated if diagnosed early enough. Symptoms of mesothelioma include dry cough, weight loss, and shortness of breath. If you’re at risk of such a disease, you’ll want your doctor to pick up on any symptoms and conduct more tests.
4. Protect Your Mental Health
Did you know that around one in four American adults deal with a diagnosable mental disorder annually? The same source notes that approximately one in 10 American adults deal with a depressive sickness — like bipolar disorder or severe depression — annually.
If you’re experiencing mental health issues, you need to speak to your family doctor immediately. Your doctor can refer you to a professional who can help sort through the problem and give you answers.
But other than possibly seeing a professional and taking medication, how can you deal with the type of stress that might challenge your mental health? Learn how to deal with stress. Do you have a stressful job? Speak to a supervisor at work. Maybe you can work at home a few days weekly. You might even find that a job change is necessary. Are there toxic people in your life? You might need to cut them loose or set up boundaries for your health’s sake. Other recommendations include spending time in the great outdoors, exercising, and learning to play an instrument.
If you want to prioritize your health, focus on these things to start experiencing positive changes in your life. If you’re already in good health, these tips can help you maintain the status quo. But if your health isn’t at its best, these recommendations can help you get on the right track.
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