Health Is More Than Just Appearance
Being healthy takes on a unique form for each individual, and it’s not just tied to physical appearance, as many people believe. Being healthy is not only about how you look — it’s also about feeling your best physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.
While following a strict anti-inflammatory diet may be one of the best beauty hacks to have healthy, glowing skin, to be truly healthy, you must care for your body and mind as a whole. Health should be treated holistically, taking your overall well-being into account. Finding balance in these areas is an excellent way to improve your health and empower yourself to live fully.
You’re on the right track if you make an effort to participate in proactive health and wellness programs and routines, including exercise, stress management, and preventive care.
It’s important to note that the steps that you take to care for your health will evolve as you progress through life. The healthy habits that work best for you will change as your lifestyle changes, but there are certain fundamental aspects of your health that you should prioritize to ensure you look and feel your best.
Remember: a healthy body is not solely defined by its appearance. Continue reading to discover some of the best ways to improve and maintain your overall health and wellness.
Exercise and Body Movement
Exercise and physical activity come in many forms, including jogging, swimming, yoga practice, weight lifting, or high-intensity interval training. With so many options available, know that the best form of exercise is the one you enjoy doing.
For optimal health, 150 minutes of moderate activity each week is recommended. You can easily meet this expectation without signing up for a gym membership or buying expensive equipment. Instead, limit your screen time, go brisk walking, and enjoy the outdoors. Get on a bike, go for a swim, or take a stroll around the block to soak up some Vitamin D while getting some exercise.
Incorporate exercise and body movement into your everyday routine. Stretch at your desk, get up and move around your office — regardless if you’re working on-site or from home. Take the stairs or turn on some music and dance.
Rest and Sleep
When you start a new fitness or health routine, it’s simple to plan all of your daily workouts and activities. But make sure to include enough time for rest and recovery.
Whether you’re pursuing a balanced, healthy lifestyle or preparing for a specific event or performance goal, rest days are critical for recovery and mental wellness. Resting does not jeopardize any progress in your health journey but instead boosts your performance, so listen to your body when it’s telling you to take a break.
Sleeping well is another critical aspect of being healthy. Sufficient sleep is necessary not only for your body — as it allows your cells to repair and regenerate — but for your mind as well. With enough quality sleep at night, you won’t need eye drops for tired eyes, and you’ll have the energy to go through your day and complete your daily goals, tasks, and activities
Good Nutrition
Maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, high fiber, and lean proteins lowers your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Avoiding processed foods, refined sugar, and excessive caffeine intake improves your mood, gut balance, and healthy weight maintenance, and reduces the risk for chronic disease.
Balance, variety, and moderation are key to healthy eating. Balance what you eat to fulfill your nutritional and tastebuds’ needs. Enjoy a variety of foods from key dietary groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins. And use moderation when relishing less nutritious foods, focusing on feeling satisfied instead of being too stuffed after you eat.
Make an effort to have more meals prepared at home. Cooking nutritious meals at home can be therapeutic. By slowing down, savoring your food, and sharing them with people you love, you learn to eat more mindfully.
Positive Mental Health
Being healthy entails more than simply taking care of your physical body. Positive thoughts and a healthy mindset are critical to your well-being. Maintaining a positive attitude can help you — and the people around you — live a healthy life, making it easier to choose healthier options and stay active.
Each day, set aside a few quiet moments to be alone with your breath. Appreciate your body’s stillness and use positive affirmations. Nurture a positive view of yourself, and practice self-care through meditation, movement, quality sleep, and good nutrition.
Aside from making time for regular mindfulness exercises, you can stay positive by expressing gratitude daily, reading inspirational stories, spending time with friends, and surrounding yourself with positive people.
Good Health Looks and Feels Different for Everyone
Just as our bodies come in all shapes and sizes, so does our health. Keep your body moving, get enough rest and sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, do things that make you happy, and surround yourself with positive people.
Achieve your health goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle with the Ate app. It’s an app designed to help you form healthy eating habits not by restricting you with calorie-counting but by focusing on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Guest post by Sophia Young
