If you had to write a list of priorities, where would your health rank? Many of us have commitments that prevent us from putting our health first. The trouble is that neglecting health can have devastating consequences. If you’re always looking after others, or you devote all your waking hours to your career, it’s wise to try to invest more time in your health. In this guide, we’ll outline some key changes you can make today.

Up your activity levels

Health experts recommend doing 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. If your idea of a workout is walking from the car to your desk, or you don’t have time for exercise, now is the time to try to up your activity levels. Manage your diary so that you have periods free in your schedule to go for a walk, do an exercise class, work out at home or spend your weekends playing sports or enjoying outdoor activities. Even 15 minutes of running or a 30-minute stroll will benefit your body and mind.

We have become obsessed with exercise as a means of losing weight, but there is so much more to an active lifestyle than burning calories. Regular exercise aids sleep, improves mental health and lowers the risk of depression, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease. Working out can also be a great way to build confidence and self-esteem, meet new people and manage your emotions. Many people also find that being active helps them to reduce stress and feel more positive and energetic.

If you’re on a mission to increase your activity levels, start with simple strategies like counting your steps or active minutes. If you have a smartphone or a wearable device, set yourself targets. If you start on 3,000 steps per day, for example, try to get to 5,000 and then work your way up to 10,000 or 12,000. If you’re active for 10 minutes on an average day, set yourself a target of 20 or 30 minutes.

Avoid Bad Habits

If you have a tendency to reach for substances you should rather be avoiding then this can have a huge impact on your health. Bad habits such as drinking and smoking can lead to medical conditions as well as aggravating existing ones. If you want to break these habits then it can take some serious willpower and commitment. However, it is totally doable if you put your mind to it and you don’t have other stresses in your life contributing to your bad habits. You could try healthier alternatives, for instance swap that cigarette out for something like the puffco pivot.

Practice self-care

A lot of people are guilty of sacrificing their own health and well-being to look after others. It’s brilliant to be a caring person and a fantastic friend, parent, partner or sibling, but we can all benefit from practicing self-care. Self-care is about taking good care of yourself. This includes protecting your body and mind. In addition to regular exercise, it’s beneficial to take time out to relax and rest and to make time for activities or relationships that lift you up and make you feel happy. Try to prevent and reduce stress by avoiding triggers, give yourself a break and be kind to yourself, and nourish your mental and physical health. Have fun, indulge hobbies and interests and pamper yourself from time to time. For self-care tips, take a look at this article https://mhanational.org/taking-good-care-yourself.

Seek professional help

Health covers physical, mental and social well-being. If you have symptoms of mental or physical health problems, seek professional help. Be proactive in getting checked out if you experience symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, abnormal lumps and swelling, changes in your bowel habits, chronic or acute pain or extreme tiredness. Keep up to date with health tests and checks and understand the importance of asking for help and advice if you notice signs of mental health disorders. You can try self-help techniques to boost mental health, but there are also treatments and therapies available to help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental illnesses. You can find out more from sites like EMDRHealing.com. Be open about how you feel and try not to be embarrassed or ashamed. Around 20% of American adults have a mental illness. You’re not alone. Reaching out is often the hardest step to take, but it can have an incredible impact on every aspect of your life.

Prioritize good nutrition

The word ‘diet’ has become synonymous with numbers on a scale. Your diet will contribute to how much you weigh, but it also plays a critical role in influencing your health and well-being. When you plan menus or write grocery shopping lists, try to prioritize good nutrition over body weight. Your body needs fuel to produce energy and it also requires nutrients. Losing weight doesn’t always mean that you’re improving your health, especially if you’re following fad diets, which cut out food groups or reduce calorie intake dramatically.

If you’re not sure how healthy your diet is, it’s an excellent idea to use apps to keep a food diary. This can help you to track calorie intake if you’re trying to lose weight sustainably and healthily, but it also provides valuable information about nutrition. You will be able to see whether you’re hitting the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals, for example, and monitor your intake of healthy fats, protein, fiber and carbohydrates. If your app flags problems, such as low fiber or protein intake, a lack of iron in your diet or excessive salt or sugar consumption, make changes to your diet. Add whole grains, reduce sugar and salt consumption and eat a wide range of fruit and vegetables.

Sort your sleep routine

A lack of sleep can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. If you don’t get enough sleep, establish a routine that makes time for rest and relaxation before you go to bed and ensures you get the sleep you need. Adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, use your evenings to unwind and turn your bedroom into a serene sanctuary.

Many of us don’t invest enough time in our health. If you’re always rushing around after other people, or you work long hours, start putting your health first. Be more active, seek professional advice if you notice symptoms of physical or mental illness, and practice self-care. Make time for rest, be kind to yourself, prioritize good nutrition and make sure you get enough sleep.

Should You Be Investing More Time In Your Health?