It’s easy to think that improving your health is a huge undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking care of yourself isn’t about big, sweeping changes – it’s about the little things you do every single day. Here are a few simple steps you can take to boost wellness:
Focus On Nutrition
Watching what you eat is an overall health concern many people miss, as vitamins and minerals play a major role in mental and physical conditions. We can’t function well without certain nutrients, and imbalances can contribute to a variety of health concerns, like osteoporosis and anemia. Make sure your meals feature ample fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy sources of fats and protein.
Schedule In Exercise
Some people are naturally drawn to exercise. For everyone else, working out can feel more like a chore. However, building workouts into your regular schedule can help you stay on track and exercise regularly.
You don’t need to invest in a pricey gym membership to get a regular workout in. A far less expensive option: stream workouts in the comfort of your home via a streaming media player. You can save money, and it allows you more flexibility with your schedule. It also eases any anxiety you might have about exercising in a group setting. Plus, you can pick the activities you enjoy the most. To get started, do a quick streaming device comparison to make sure you find one that works with your TV and budget.
Get Enough Sleep
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a fourth of U.S. adults believe they get insufficient sleep at least half of the time, yet it’s easy to overlook sleep as a health concern.
The ramifications of poor sleep are wide-reaching, spanning from poor focus and mood swings to heart disease and difficulty fighting infection. Getting enough sleep isn’t just about feeling good in the morning – it’s about giving your mind and body time to rest and heal so that you can function at your best all day long.
To make sure you’re catching quality Z’s, try to improve your sleep hygiene. Build a nightly routine to encourage great sleep. A few ideas you can try: stop using electronics an hour before bedtime; avoid late-night snacking or treat yourself to sleep-promoting aromatherapy.
Stay Mindful
Most people tend to take their mental health for granted. However, frequent stress or sadness can indicate you may need to slow down or add more self-care into your life. Over time, these kinds of problems can lead to health issues, such as poor digestion or high blood pressure.
Mindfulness is a great way to care for your mental health every day. Mindfulness is simple – it’s just setting aside some time to give full attention to the moment. You can do so through meditation, exercises like yoga, or even just putting on a piece of music and focusing on it fully. Even ten minutes of mindfulness a day can help you train your mind to stay present.
Take Social Media Breaks
You may not have considered how your social media habit might be harming your health, but the reality is, social media can be pretty bad for you. First of all, there’s the simple fact that time spent online could be time spent going for a brisk walk, or making yourself a healthy meal. It often feels like there’s not enough time in the day when in reality you’re simply using the time you do have ineffectively.
Secondly, social media can leave you feeling down. Remember – people usually post their best selves online. It’s difficult not to compare your real life, full of ups and downs, to the constant stream of “ups” you’ll see on social media. Taking breaks gives you time to reflect on the reality that everyone faces good and bad times.
Taking care of your mind and body is a lifestyle adjustment. By incorporating small changes into your regular schedule, you give yourself the best chance of success. Focus on small steps, and watch as they add up to better health.
Is there really a difference?
Let's think of it this way, drugstore products are like fast food restaurants. They're cheap and convenient, but in the long run, they're not what's best for your body. Your hair is part of your body so why wouldn't you treat it with the same care as any other part of you?