There comes a time when we all need to think about our health. When we’re younger, it seems like we can basically do whatever we want, and always be in tip-top condition. But once youth has passed, we have to put a little more effort into our well-being than we used to. For most people, that amounts to just watching what’s on our plate, and trying to avoid going for seconds.

But your health is one of those things where the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Focus on your health as a whole, and you’ll have more energy, you’ll look better, and you’ll be keeping long-term problems at bay. In this post, we’ll focus on some of the most commonly overlooked — but just as important — elements of your health to prioritize this year.

Your Flexibility

Staying strong is important, but you could argue that remaining flexible is of even greater value. Ever noticed how many people seem to stiffen up when they’re older? That’s not necessarily a natural certainty — it’s just that they haven’t fully stretched their body in so long. If you see a retiree that still has a spring in their step, you can be confident that they’ve made yoga a regular part of their life. They say you stay the same age as you are when you start yoga. If you want to keep your flexibility and energy, then look at joining a class.

Your Smile

Most people that invest in their health tend to focus on their bodies. After all, if your body looks in good shape, then you’ll be healthy, right? While that’s broadly true, there are other aspects to focus on too. For instance, your mouth. A healthy mouth is super important and has the added bonus of leading to a great smile. If it’s been some time since you gave your teeth the attention they deserve, look at making an appointment with a dentist; they’ll be able to assess the health of your mouth and suggest recommended treatments.

Your Mental Health

You don’t have to have a physical ailment to be unwell. In recent times, there’s been a growing emphasis on mental health conditions, in part sparked by the rapid increase in the number of people living with depression and anxiety. Even if you’re generally a happy person, it’s important to dedicate some time towards keeping your mental health in tip-top condition. Exercising, relaxing, and spending time with loved ones will all help to keep your brain — and you — happy.

Your Gut Health

Researchers are beginning to understand just how important a healthy gut is to a person’s overall health. They found that your gut impacts every organ in the body, so the healthier it is, the healthier you’ll be. The good news is that there’s no great secret towards having a healthy guy. Doing things as simple as eating a healthy diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables, keeping your stress levels under control, and investing in sleep will all help your gut to be at its best.

Common Overlooked Health Aspects to Focus On This Year