Many people focus on diet and exercise as primary methods for a healthier life, but there is much more that you can do. Understanding that health is more than diet and exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy existence. Consider some of the ways that you can benefit yourself beyond health and exercise to live a longer, more fulfilling life.
Avoid Addictions
Addictions of any kind can have an extremely negative impact on your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Avoiding substance abuse is fundamental to sustain a healthy mind and body. Alcohol addiction can creep into your life as a way of socializing, but it wreaks havoc on your health over time. Smoking cigarettes or marijuana can even become a gateway to using harder drugs to get high and escape the troubles of life. Other types of addictions, such as a gambling addiction or shopping addiction, can create financial catastrophes that may deeply affect your quality of living for many years. If an addiction is beyond the point of managing it yourself, seek help immediately. Centers for addiction treatment in Orange County, California and other densely populated parts of the country are available to provide support and guidance.
Keep Good Hygiene
With so many germs circulating in the air and covering every surface and object, it is important to practice good hygiene to preserve your health. Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly prevents you from catching a variety of illnesses transmitted by dangerous bacteria. Brushing and flossing help keep bacteria at bay that can otherwise destroy your teeth and even affect your heart.
In addition, taking a relaxing shower or bath at the end of the day allows you to remove dirt, sweat while releasing stress that builds up throughout the day. Everyday Health also suggests that getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep at night grants you energy and raises your body’s natural defenses against disease.
Form Uplifting Relationships
Having healthy relationships is crucial for building a life that you can enjoy living. Just as harmonious relationships are a gift, terrible ones can cause a great deal of stress and frustration that can negatively impact your health. Social support has life-enhancing benefits that you should not ignore.
The Harvard Women’s Health Watch concludes from dozens of studies that “people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends, and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer”. When you surround yourself with positive, encouraging people, they fuel greater happiness and satisfaction in your life.
Maintain Your Mind
Since health is more than diet and exercise, you must remember that a healthy brain and the right psychological mindset is essential for strong mental health and a longer life. Developing a good attitude and an optimistic perspective is necessary to triumph over challenges and reach your goals to advance. Raising your mental aptitude through brain-training exercises can help you function better, learn easier, and maintain clarity through old age.
Steer Clear of Environmental Health Hazards
There are numerous types of environmental hazards to your health (including your reproductive parts) that should be avoided, so it is wise to investigate the status of any geographic location and residence that you want to live in. Choosing a safe neighborhood that is free of heavy pollution and toxic waste can ensure that environmental hazards in a community do not affect you or your family’s health. Your home must also be inspected carefully to avoid the threats of mold, allergens, lead, and asbestos. Staying clear of individuals who smoke can prevent you from developing diseases due to secondhand smoke.
Life is a journey and we must be in for the long haul, but you can do what it takes to stay healthy and make it worthwhile. Bringing joy into your life through positive relationships, proper self-care, and prevention only adds to the quality of your life. By avoiding bad habits and developing good ones, you can boost your health for years to come.