When it comes to your health, you may automatically think about physical fitness and exercise. It is important to recognize the many other aspects of your life that affect your health and learn how you can maintain a healthier lifestyle.
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What You Eat
The first way to take control of your health is through what you eat. Instead of going out to eat, try preparing most of your meals at home. Eating out often involves more calories and bigger portions than a meal at home would have. The large portions served at restaurants make it easy to overeat and indulge in foods you normally would not eat. When you cook at home you can control your portion sizes and better maintain your weight. You may also notice how much easier it becomes to reduce your intake of unhealthy fats and processed sugars. Diets full of artificial sugars can increase your risk of obesity, heart disease, and several other health concerns. If you do find yourself with cravings you want to satisfy, see if there are baking recipes you can use to make the things you want at home. Instead of wondering how much butter or sugar is in a store-bought bakery item, you can control the amount of every ingredient going into your food.
How You Manage Stress
While stress may not always be avoidable, there are several things you can do to minimize and manage stress in your life. Make time for an activity every day that brings you peace and relaxation. You can try going for a walk outside, practicing yoga, deep breathing, coloring, cooking, cleaning, or even gardening. If you don’t take the time to manage and release stress, it can take a physical toll on the body and damage your health. A mental health professional can teach you helpful skills to manage stress and provide a safe space for you to talk through difficult things you may experience.
How Well You Sleep
Your quality of sleep will affect how you function and feel the next day. Without an adequate amount of sleep, your body will feel slow and sluggish. Sleep allows your body to rest and break down nutrients it did not absorb during the day. This is also when your body will store memories and experiences for you to learn and grow from. Your quality of sleep can affect your ability to concentrate and remember things. When you are not sleeping well your brain may feel foggy and your muscles may become weak. Give yourself time to wind down for bed. Read a book, stretch, or drink some tea to help yourself prepare for sleep. Avoid electronics and bright lights that may disrupt your body’s ability to produce melatonin. Consider wearing protective blue light glasses when using your phone or computer to minimize the disruption.
Use these tips to improve the quality of your life and take better care of your health.
