Terri Ramsey Beavers Yes, there are many aspects to life that we want to have under control. We all want to have a career we love, have good friends, and have enough money to go on those wild and inspiring adventures around the world. But it’s important to have a bit of perspective: while the aforementioned things will all bring a hint of happiness, they’ll be a lot less valuable if your health isn’t in tip-top condition. So it’s important that you’re actively managing your help, in order to ensure that it’s in as good a state as possible. But how can you do this? We take a look at a few tried and tested methods below.
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Set the Standard
One of the primary mistakes people make when it comes to their health and fitness is that they have no standards, no ideal that sets the benchmark for their own body. Without this, it’s all too easy to slip into bad habits, and to be accepting of unhealthy states. If you insist that you must always be able to run 5 miles in a set of time, then you’ll have created a benchmark. If you suddenly find that you were falling way short of that ideal, then you’ll know that something needs to change.
Listen To Your Body
If you want to stay on top of your health and fitness, then be sure to listen to your body. It will tell you when something is not quite right. For example, if you’re beginning to feel a little ill, then your body will let you know before it develops into a full-blown illness. It’ll be telling you to take it easy, rest, and fight off the illness. If you don’t listen to your body and carry on living your usual routine, then you’ll be more likely to fall ill. This works well with the common cold, but also more serious issues, too — if it feels like something isn’t quite right, then you’re probably correct.
Take Precautions
While there are some health and fitness related matters that are genetic, others are preventable, if we know-how. For example, if you’re sitting hunched over a laptop, typing away all day, then you’ll be more likely to develop spine and wrist injuries. A preventative measure would be to find a desk and chair combination that puts less pressure on these areas of your body. Some health issues take people by surprise. For example, if you regularly attend concerts, then it’s important that you invest in hearing protection. If you don’t, then one day, you might find that you have hearing problems, problems that were entirely preventable. Generally, it’s best to look at any activity you do regularly and research the potential ways that it could affect your health.
Reduce the Health-Busters
You’ll always face health issues, and especially when you’re older. It’s just part and parcel of being an adult, we’re afraid. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to give ill-health a helping hand. Things like drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and eating too much fast food can all have a hugely detrimental effect on your health, in direct and indirect ways; they make you less likely to engage in healthy practices, such as going to the gym, for example. Who wants to work out when they have alcohol trying to exit their system? So it’s worth looking at the things you’re currently doing that might be harming your health, and taking steps towards replacing them with healthier habits.
Practice Healthy Habits
But what exactly are these healthier habits that you should make part of your life? It’s all about incorporating things that are good for your body into your lifestyle. For example, could you walk instead of driving? Could you go for a run with friends, rather than spending time in a bar? Could you set yourself the challenge of cooking healthy meals every night for a month? Everything is possible, it’s all about being mindful and making them part of your being.
Mental Health
Finally, remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It requires just as much attention! You can do this by learning what’s good and bad for your mental health on an individual basis (a little bit introspection will give the answers). It’s also important to take yourself out of the mania of the world from time to time, and spend some time meditating and reconnecting with yourself. It’s easy enough to get started, yet it can have a hugely positive impact on your life.