Stepping Stones To Better Health & Well-Being: Basics Everyone Can Embrace

 Healthy living is one of the most talked-about subjects in the media. It’s brilliant to have access to so much information and advice, but too many voices can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll outline some stepping stones to better health and well-being, focusing on basics that everyone can embrace. 

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Regular exercise

Regular exercise is one of the most powerful ways to transform your health. A brilliant boost for both your body and mind, an active lifestyle helps you lower the risk of physical health conditions, lift your mood, and nourish your mental health. Experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This covers everything from walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and dancing to doing yoga, HIIT or spin classes, kayaking, climbing, and trampolining. If your body is moving, your muscles are working, and your heart rate increases, you’ll feel the physical and mental benefits. 

Being mindful of your health every day

Being mindful of your health at all times is an easy way to improve your health and well-being and lower risks. When you’re busy and you have multiple commitments, your health can take a backseat. Try to avoid this by thinking about your body and mind every day, and being proactive in prioritizing your health. Simple things like seeking advice if you feel unwell or notice unusual symptoms, eating nutritious foods, moving more, and taking time to rest and recharge your batteries will have a big impact. 

It’s particularly important to put your health first if you have symptoms, you feel unwell, you don’t feel yourself for a prolonged period, or you’re at risk of certain diseases due to family history or underlying conditions. Try to avoid putting off appointments or ignoring symptoms. Getting treatment early and undergoing tests and checks can improve outcomes and prevent symptoms from getting worse. Shingles is one of myriad examples. Shingles treatment can help alleviate painful symptoms and speed up your recovery. Early intervention within 72 hours of spotting a shingles rash is most effective. With any health problem, it’s always better to get checked out than to wait and hope that your symptoms disappear. 

Planning your diet based on your nutritional needs

When you hear the word ‘diet,’ what other words, terms, or images pop into your mind? For many of us, there’s an instant association with body weight. It’s beneficial to try to lose weight if you’re overweight or you’re conscious about your body weight, but the key factor when planning your diet should always be nutrition. Your body needs nutrients to work properly. If you limit the foods you eat or try to survive on very few calories, your health will suffer. Make it your mission to pack your weekly menu with foods that nourish your body, such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, seeds, pulses, and lean sources of protein. 

Prioritizing sleep

Getting enough sleep is critical for all aspects of your health. Ideally, adults should get around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble sleeping, establish a consistent evening routine, go to bed and get up at the same time each day, and create a calming, soothing sleeping environment. Avoid using devices late at night, relax during the evening, and manage your schedule. If you have recurrent or persistent sleep issues, it’s wise to see your doctor. 

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There’s so much information out there about health and well-being. While it’s great to have advice readily available, it can be overwhelming, especially when it’s conflicting. Mastering the basics is a brilliant place to start. Key stepping stones to better health include exercising regularly, being mindful of your health every day, focusing on nutrition, and getting enough sleep.