Never has there been a more important time to take care of your health. With so many new challenges and so much uncertainty about tomorrow, the accumulated stress can add up fast. It is a scientific fact that stress can be the underlying factor to both mental and physical health issues. It is also a scientific fact that a well-rounded wellness program can reduce stress.
So I know you’re probably thinking, “how can I make time for this?” There is much you can do that does not include a time-consuming exercise program. Wellness is not so much about the exercise as it is about maintaining the balance your body needs to stay healthy. Here is a list of some of the things you can do.
Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Schedule
1) Sleep: Whether you’re an elite athlete or an individual seeking to stay healthy, sleep is one of the key players in maintaining homeostasis. Sleep allows the brain to relax and recharge after a day of dealing with life’s stressors. It is also important in keeping the immune system strong, an important benefit as we enter flu season during this pandemic.
When a full night’s rest does not fit in your schedule, finding time to recharge can help. Taking a moment for yourself to breathe, nap and reboot is a great way to excuse yourself from all of life’s demands for a minute. Taking time to get enough sleep gives us a renewed energy to face the new day with a better attitude than if you were sleep-deprived.
Keep Drinking Water
2) Hydration: All cellular functions rely on proper hydration. We lose water through all of our bodily functions, so hydrating to replenish that is key. On top of regular bodily functions, it is incredibly important to stay hydrated while exercising. The health benefits are many, including lubrication of joints throughout the body, regulating body temperature, assists in bringing nutrients to the cells of the body, aides in helping you sleep at night and cleansing the body of waste. The importance of water can be summed up like this: You can live two to three weeks without food, but only three to four days without water.
Proper Nutrition
3) Proper Nutrition: Eat foods that are high in nutritional value, which can be done by balancing the macronutrients: protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The body needs fuel and the proper fuel helps us maintain a healthy lifestyle. Taking time to prepare food for yourself is also a great way to escape stress, spend time with family, and explore your creative side! Overall, nutrition is the fuel we need for our bodies, and it is essential that we’re filling our tank with the best combination of nutrition. Take a look at some of our recipes!
Create a Community
4) Community Wellness: Mental health is just as important as physical health, and greatly contributes to overall wellness. Getting involved with your community is a great way to boost mental wellness. Reach out to friends, relatives and let them know you are thinking about them. Lending your community a helping hand through charities and donations is a great way to lift up yourself as well as the community, and is powerful for stress reduction. Personally, baking for local organizations and dropping off donations to food banks is how I like to connect with my local community. Reach out if you’d like to hear more about these organizations.
Staying Healthy this Season
So yes, exercise is important, but it is not the only component for a healthy lifestyle. Ensuring a well-rounded wellness routine will set your body and mind up for optimum success. Take care of yourself!
