In this fast-paced life, it’s difficult to maintain optimal health and inner well-being. However, these are basic essentials to lead a fulfilling and balanced life. Neglected health and well-being can endanger your physical, mental, and emotional health.
So, if you’re all set to make a change and embrace true well-being inside and out, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Fine-tune your diet
Your health and inner well-being majorly depend on your diet. So here are some basic changes to embrace regarding that:
a. Avoid salt
Excess salt consumption leads to elevated blood pressure. Don’t place a salt shaker on the dining table to avoid having it more. Taste food while cooking to ensure dishes don’t need more salt. Use herbs and spices in dishes to avoid depending solely on salt for seasoning.
b. Focus on nutrition
If your diet lacks nutritious food, it leads to anxiety and emotional distress. So, have a variety of vegetables, fruits, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Cut back on caffeine and processed, sugary, oily, and other junk food.
Make the following changes in your dietary habits to slowly enhance the nutritional value of your meals:
- Switch white rice, bread, pasta, and crackers with healthy whole-grain ones.
- Add an extra serving of non-starch vegetables to your daily diet.
- Switch side dishes like mashed potatoes with broccoli/spinach covered with herbs.
- Opt for skinless chicken and turkey instead of ones with skin. Choose lean beef or pork cuts.
- If you have several sugary drinks in a day, it’s difficult to let go. Instead, replace one drink with a glass full of water each day.
- If you feel hungry in between meals, have whole nuts and fruits instead of chips, energy bars, or candies. You can also have carrots with hummus.
c. Drink but wisely
Research shows that red wine offers a range of health benefits when consumed moderately. However, remember to stay within your limits with all kinds of alcoholic beverages.
d. Avoid tobacco and substances
Stay away from smoking and substance abuse. These might feel good for a moment, but there are too many negative effects. Especially when the high of substances wears off, you’re left feeling worse.
2. Take care of your mental health
Nowadays, it’s pretty difficult to keep mental health concerns at bay. With endless responsibilities, people’s high expectations, and feelings of disappointment, almost everyone is stressed, anxious, or depressed.
If possible, try to avoid situations that impact your mood negatively. During your downtime, unwind by listening to music, reading books, or taking warm baths.
However, if your mental health condition worsens, get admitted to a luxurious Malibu recovery center. Opt for one that offers you world-class treatment, with individual therapies from expert counselors and therapists.
If you’re not ready to join a mental health program immediately, research on all available options and shortlist a reliable facility. Share the contact details of the center with your trustworthy loved ones so they know where to admit you if needed.
3. Get enough sunlight
In the post-pandemic era of remote work, people often forget to step out of their home. This may lead to vitamin D deficiency which leads to bone weakness and seasonal affective disorder.
So, lather on plenty of sunscreen/sunblock to prevent sunburns and go on a 15 or 30-minute walk under the sun.
4. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise improves blood flow, sends oxygen to every blood cell, and makes you feel physically and mentally energetic. Especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, don’t ignore the importance of exercise.
You don’t have to join a gym for this. Instead, you can do light stretching exercises at home as a warmup and then go on a 30-minute walk in a nearby park. Build up stamina slowly if you get tired fast. Once your stamina improves, you can also try more intense exercise.
5. Get enough sleep
Get at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep without any disturbance. Otherwise, you will struggle to function properly. If you toss and turn a lot in bed and can’t fall asleep fast, unwind an hour prior to bedtime.
Take a hot shower or bath, do your skincare, and stretch your body lightly. Don’t use a screen; instead, read a book. You can also practice meditation and use white noise to help you relax.
6. Socialize with loved ones
Mental health concerns worsen when you isolate yourself. So, whenever you get the opportunity, step out and meet loved ones. You don’t have to party with a bunch of strangers. Instead, meet your trustworthy inner circle more often. Don’t refuse them when they ask you out.
Be more open about your thoughts. Even if everything is going wrong in life, don’t feel guilty about enjoying and being happy. Don’t punish yourself for not being able to meet others’ expectations!
If your loved ones don’t believe in you, volunteer in animal shelters and soup kitchens. Do something that will make you feel better.
7. Fix your posture
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you’re prone to slouch your shoulders. This can lead to several health concerns down the lane. So, whenever you sit at your desk, remind yourself to fix your posture.
Straighten your back, push your shoulders behind, and relax. Avoid crossing your legs and let them lie flat on the ground. Always ensure your feet are not dangling, as that impacts your knee health. You won’t be able to fix the posture in one go, so set a reminder for every few minutes.
If you sit in front of a computer for hours, invest in an ergonomic chair to prevent neck and back strain. You can also reposition your computer so that the screen is at eye level. Place the keyboard at elbow height so your hands are not elevated or lowered.
8. Try to take the stairs
If you only want to go up or down by 3-4 floors, skip the elevator. Choose the stairs to work out your lungs and muscles. It’ll also be a great blood-pumping exercise. Especially if you can’t work out regularly, this is a great hack!
Conclusion
Besides these, remember to stay positive and enjoy the happy moments. Lastly, don’t feel shy about depending on others. Seek help whenever necessary, whether from loved ones or health professionals!