These days, it seems like everyone is talking about health. There are hundreds of fad diets, workout programs, and conflicting pieces of advice. But why should you be paying attention? Health is important, sure, but specifically, what does health improve in your life? These five reasons should convince you that your health should be your primary concern.
1. The proper health regiment can increase your lifespan.
Eating the right foods, exercising, and sleeping well all affect how long you live. Getting the proper nutrients can protect your cells from damage and may even rebuild them if they have already been harmed. Also, be sure to get all of the correct nutrients as lacking them may cause disease. For instance, a calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis or hypocalcemia. Sleeping also has an effect on longevity. Sleeping too much or too little can adversely affect your lifespan. Aim for six to eight hours of shuteye. Even regular exercise can help prevent cognitive decline and stave off diseases like Alzheimer’s. Throughout your life, visit the doctor regularly, and find passion. People tend to live longer if they have something to live for. Take up a hobby, and try new things. Don’t let life pass you by!
2. It can make your quality of life better (physically, that is).
Maintaining your physical fitness can ensure that you will be able to move around, to try new things, and to enjoy everything that life has to offer. As such, exercise is an essential part of your health regiment. It not only keeps your heart pumping but also releases endorphins, which create feelings of euphoria and happiness. Participating in wellness and yoga programs can help you achieve a better physical and mental state since staying active can even fight depression. Just as exercise improves your living standards, eating the right foods can boost your energy and prevent degeneration. A balanced diet of lean proteins, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can enhance your mood, can regulate your energy level, and can help maintain a healthy weight. Having the right approach to spirituality can also translate to living a happier life. Consider meditating for a few minutes everyday to find balance and to keep your mind focused on the present. Remembering that you cannot control everything that occurs in your life will help you reach your optimum happiness.
3. It can affect your relationship with others.
Eating right and taking care of yourself can reduce stress levels, making you a more enjoyable person to be around. Nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids all help lower stress. If you feel good about yourself, you will have more confidence, be more open to talking to new people, be more available emotionally, and be unafraid to admit when you’ve made a mistake. These qualities can increase trust and will improve your standing with others. Meanwhile, eating poorly can diminish your spirits. You will have less energy and be more likely to snap at those who surround you.
4. It may improve your spirituality or your overall wellness.
Your body, mind, and spirit are all connected. When one of these elements goes awry, it affects your overall wellness. As such, eating properly will help ensure that your spiritual health comes into balance. By purifying your body, you also purify your soul. Although the connection between these elements isn’t scientifically proven, eating in a manner that you can be proud of will increase your confidence and will put you in touch with the earth and with nature. Appreciating the journey that your food took to reach your table will open your eyes to the enormity of the world and will teach you to reflect inwards more often. Try meditating daily to achieve optimum balance and mindfulness. This will guarantee a healthy spirit throughout your entire life.
5. It can make you sharp as a knife (mentally, that is).
Eating the right foods will boost your brainpower. Getting the proper nutrients can improve the transmission of signals in your brain cells, can protect your mind from damage, and can lower your risk of diseases like ALS. Eating fatty fish, leafy greens, avocadoes, and chocolate will improve brain health and keep your mind keen. Everything that you eat contributes to your intelligence; so, put good foods into your body in order to ensure you are getting the best out of your brain. Also, be sure to sleep well. Sleep is often the best medicine, as a good night’s sleep is scientifically proven to raise test scores. In fact, sleep depravation actually works against learning. It tends to increase hyperactivity and distractions, especially in children. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you might be surprised by how powerful your brain can be.
Eating the right foods and getting enough sleep can make you a superhero. If you take care of yourself, good things are certain to follow. Think about going to a wellness resort to optimize your health, to learn new regiments, and to find balance. From unbelievable longevity to unsurpassed mental acuity, the right diet and adequate sleep will lead to a happier, fuller life. Enjoy it!
Laura is a content crafter and a research guru with the Marketing Zen Group. She writes about travel, wellness, and active lifestyles. When she’s not blogging, Laura loves all kinds of physical activity, ranging from yoga to ice hockey. She also tinkers with technology and follows pop culture closely. Connect with her on Twitter @l_mcconney.
