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Living well sounds like a lovely thing to aspire to, but possibly an unattainable goal. If that is your perspective, it is time to shift the narrative and begin taking care of your overall health to live a better life starting today.
Take care of your body and mind.
When your body is not functioning as it should, you tend to feel exhausted, frustrated, and generally unhappy. Being in good health is essential for your overall well-being. Make it a priority to see your GP annually or as needed. Schedule private blood tests to ensure you are receiving a comprehensive set of blood panels. See your eye doctor and dental care providers for a check-up and to update your prescription lenses. Finally, schedule a mental health assessment whenever you need to.
Be social for health and happiness.
Being social is good for your overall well-being. Even if you consider yourself an introvert, making quality connections with people will enhance your life. Spending time with people you genuinely enjoy, or even a friendly little chat with someone while you are in a queue at the shop, leaves you with a sense of comfort and satisfaction long after the conversation ends. Whether you are just out of university or entering the later phases of life, friendship is an important factor in living a healthy life. A friend is someone to bond with over a new activity or reminisce old memories over a pint in the pub. You can call on them, and they can reach out to you in a time of need. Being social and having a network of friends, even if only a few, is an important safety and support system throughout your life.
Watch this video for a unique perspective on friendship.
Prioritise your sleep schedule.
Quality sleep has the power to improve your health by allowing your body to repair itself. Improve your sleep by reducing bright lights, loud noises, and unnecessary distractions that prevent you from falling asleep and staying asleep. Adults should aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep each night to feel their best. Put your phone, tablet, laptop, and any other device away at least one hour before bed to begin winding down and have some time away from the blue lights.
Make exercise a natural part of your life.
Physical activity is a core component of a healthy life. Plan your weekly schedule with your family, work, errands, and a physical fitness regimen in mind. When you make exercise a routine part of your day, it becomes easier to incorporate it into your life. Try getting up early to work out with a friend at the gym or go for a run with your dog. Take a walk on your lunch break or bike to and from the office. Park further away from the shops and take the stairs whenever you can. Any movement is good for you.
Taking care of yourself can sometimes take a backseat to everything else going on in your life. Make a change and focus on yourself by implementing these habits right away. Schedule preventative care appointments, stay physically active, and get the rest you need.