How to ensure you stay healthy for longer
People want to live longer nowadays, and given that people are also having to work for longer and aren’t able to retire as young as they once could, this topic has become more and more prevalent of late.
People have done all sorts of things of late to make sure that they’re able to live long, fulfilling lives, ranging from taking a lateral flow test after visiting busy places to eating healthier, more balanced diets. There are so many things that can be done to help make sure that your health is in top condition and in this article we’ll be detailing just a handful.
1. Eat a balanced and healthy diet
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to make sure you’re eating a balanced and healthy diet. This means incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein into your meals while limiting processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Whole foods are the way to go, and this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to become a vegetarian or vegan; just know what your body responds well to and treat everything with moderation.
Eating healthy doesn’t just mean eating vegetables all the time either though; it also means you need to watch your macros and ensure that the food that you eat is addressing specific needs that your body has. This will differ depending on your build, metabolism, and any health conditions.
2. Exercise regularly
Another key factor for living a longer and healthier life is to exercise regularly. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours at the gym each day; although that is certainly an option, it can also be as simple as taking a brisk walk every day or going for a light jog. The important thing is to get your body moving and to find an exercise routine that you enjoy so that you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
Other ways to improve how active you are include sitting less during the day, opting for the stairs instead of the elevator, and taking regular breaks from your workstation to move around. If you aren’t able to commit to the gym, many of us aren’t because of our busy schedules, then look for ways to improve how active you are in everyday life. A little change here and there goes a long way to improving both how you feel and how your body works.
3. Get enough sleep
In order for your body to function optimally, it’s important to get enough sleep each night. Most people need around 7-8 hours per night, but this can vary depending on your individual needs. Sleep is something that is really slept on, so to speak, but has a huge impact not only on your immediate headspace but also long term. Studies have shown that regular sleep that is of a good level can help you reduce stress on the brain as well as the heart.
If you find that you’re not getting enough sleep or if you’re struggling to fall asleep at night, there are a few things you can do to help improve the situation, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, creating a bedtime routine, and using a noise machine or relaxation app to help you calm down and fall asleep. It’s the little things, but they definitely all add up and have an impact.
4. Manage your stress levels
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your health and can lead to a number of health problems such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. This is why it’s important to find ways to manage your stress levels on a daily basis. Some effective methods for doing this include practising meditation or mindfulness, journaling, deep breathing exercises, and spending time outdoors in nature.
You could look to reduce your workload at work if you can afford to do so, whilst also looking to minimise any external factors that may be causing you any stress or feelings of uneasiness or discontent.
If you’re struggling at work, speak to the designated HR representative as you will be able to bounce ideas off one another. If you have a union that you belong to, you could discuss any stresses with them and they may be able to help ensure that you can get an outcome that addresses this.
5. Stay positive
Last but not least, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to stay positive. This means having a good attitude towards life, looking on the bright side of things, and being grateful for what you do have. Research has shown that people who are positive tend to live longer and have better health than those who are negative or pessimistic.
If you hate your job, look to make a switch to somewhere where you can fulfil your passions and let that dictate how you move through life. If you love to write, perhaps look to do some freelancing work on the side where you can refine your skills, experiment with different styles, and see if this is a viable way for you to earn a living and reduce your reliance on your full-time job.
