You can’t change your genes or even much of the environment around you, but there are lifestyle choices you can make to boost your health. Lifestyle plays a huge role in one’s health, wellness, and fitness, and not taking some time out for yourself will surely cause more harm than good later in life.
Your lifestyle could even lead you to acquire chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, liver and kidney disease, and respiratory illness. If you are one of those women who put their own needs on the back burner because you have so many things to attend to (your work, partner, children, parents, or even pets), you might find yourself always exhausted and stressed.
You are not alone.
Women wear different hats daily and often relegate themselves to the bottom of their priority checklist.
To get the most out of life, self-care is key. Making yourself a priority will lead to the much-needed boost you deserve to feel-good about where you are in life and what you have achieved so far.
Here are some health and wellness tips to achieve big personal health payoffs which you can enjoy now and in the future:
1. Get that much needed beauty sleep.
Getting the right amount of rest and sleep regularly can help you feel livelier, recharges you with the energy you need daily, and helps you to think clearly. Sleep is often overlooked as most people focus more on diet and exercise, but the link between sleep and longevity is supported by medical research. Sleep helps the body detoxify and repair cells. Not getting at least 7 to 8 hours a day of sleep (midday naps, included) may take a toll on your overall health.
2. Devote 30 minutes of your day to physical activity.
It goes without saying that regular exercise has lots of benefits, from improving your health, helping you sleep better, to giving you that much-needed mood boost. The challenge is usually finding the time for it, but did you know that even just 30 minutes of physical activity could already work wonders? It can help protect your heart health and lower the amount of bone loss as you age. It can even help you ensure the wellness of your mental health! By being physically active, you enhance your coping ability and self-esteem. Your brain releases higher levels of endorphins (also called the “happy hormones”), thus distracting you from negative thoughts and giving you more reasons to embrace positivity.
3. Manage stress.
Stress is a normal part of everyday life, but too much stress can cause insomnia, depression, hypertension, or arthritis. It can even increase risk of heart attack or weaken your overall immune system. Figuring out a healthy way to manage it is crucial. You need to release that built-up tension somehow. Learn how to combat burnout in a way that works for you, whether that’s in the form of a new beauty regimen, a relaxing bath, or a new sport.
4. Stop smoking.
If you are planning to start smoking now, stop. But if you are already smoking and you want to stop (maybe because you’ve become aware of the future respiratory risks), then do it. Of course, quitting is a lot easier said than done, but if you really want a 180-degree turn, start slowly by decreasing the number of cigarettes you consume daily. Tell your family and friends about it so they could give you the support you need. Talk to your doctor or a counselor. Some smokers light a cigarette when bored, so try to keep yourself occupied with a new sport or hobby. Avoid hanging out with people who smoke. It may take a while before you can kick the habit, but even so, celebrate your small daily successes until you reach your goal.
5. Minimize alcohol consumption.
As long as you understand the risks of drinking alcohol, it’s ok to drink a toast or two to your good health once in a while. But drinking regularly can cause a gamut of problems, with heart and liver diseases topping the list. Once you pledge to cut back on your alcohol intake, you lessen your risk for liver disease.
6. Have regular checkups.
Regular checkups are essential for staying healthy because it will give your physician time to determine possible health issues early on, when these are still easier to treat. Medical check-ups allow you to keep track of your health, and it’s as simple as visiting your doctor. Try not to skip them because it will nip diseases in the bud and will keep you abreast of your overall health.
7. Invest in a health insurance now.
The old adage “health is wealth” may be an overused cliché but it is what it is—health and wealth will forever be intertwined. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your future health care expenses while financial planning can protect you from future financial stress of medical expenses. Medical expenses can cause serious impact to your life savings as basic hospitalization costs increase every year. Having a health insurance plan now will give you the capacity to face any event that is to come, whether it’s hospitalization, retirement, or a lingering illness. Your own health insurance will facilitate easy access to healthcare during times of medical emergencies. You may want to start investing in a health insurance now to fool-proof your future.
Talk to a Sun Life advisor today to know more about Sun Life’s health protection plans that are worth the investment. Visit www.sunlife.com.ph to learn about the different health protection plans. Investing in a Sun Life health insurance is worth it! It will be the best decision you will make today which your future self will greatly thank you for.
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