5 Ways to Start Investing in Your Health Now

These days, physical and mental health is on the minds of many. Balanced diets, healthy lifestyles, nutritious choices; to better our bodies and our lives, we’re all about making improvements.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world as we know it upside down, leaving a wreckage of devastation in every sense of the word and more people creating wills. With so much uncertainty, placing your physical and mental wellbeing at the top of your priority list is an absolute must moving forward.

As we approach the second half of 2021, consider making “investing in my health” a revitalized goal for yourself. Using this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make that goal a beautiful reality.

Step 1: Get Enough Sleep

Your body will revolt against you if it doesn’t get enough sleep. Generally speaking, to keep your emotional and physical health in impeccable shape, you ought to have 7 to 9 hours of true, restful shut-eye. Making sleep a primary focus only serves to help the well-being of your mind and body, so it is absolutely worth working on ways to improve the quality of your sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to heightened stress levels, lower productivity, and make you more susceptible to hot tempers. Being the absolute best version of yourself requires treating yourself with adequate sleep, nightly.

To start focusing on your sleep, try these five handy tips:

1. Setting a bedtime alarm that tells you when it’s time to hit the hay
2. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine consumption at least 3 hours before bed
3. Eliminating any blue light stimulation at least an hour before bedtime
4. Using a sleep app to evaluate and track the longevity and quality of your sleep
5. Exercise during the day so your body is tired when the sun goes down

Step 2: Adopt a Healthier Diet

Many of your favorite snacks and dishes are extremely easy to revel in, but it’s extremely vital to recognize that everything you consume affects your body. Just because your stomach is signaling that it’s full does not necessarily indicate that you’re well-nourished.

Eating a healthier diet will do wonders for your health and immune system. By being more conscientious of your food decisions, you can easily begin to incorporate healthier habits that are great for your gut and taste yummy too. It’s as simple as making it a priority to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and good fats in a balanced diet.

If you’re the type of person who struggles to make your own meals and succumbs to constant take-out, consider signing up for a food delivery service that provides packaged healthy meals for you. There are a vast variety of options out there that make healthy meals easy and accessible. However, this could also be an opportunity for you to step outside of your comfort zone and try cooking or meal prepping. With the right hybrid cookware, you’ll be unstoppable in the kitchen!

Becoming healthier can also be achieved by simply drinking more water. From increasing energy levels to aiding in digestion and cognitive function, drinking water is so important for improving your overall health. Whether you’re working from home or on the go, consider using a reusable water bottle that you can use all day, every day. It’ll be good for you and even better for the environment. At home health and getting into a good routine is always important, since most people spend the majority of their time there.

Step 3: Manage Your Stress

Everyone has stressors, whether it’s work, family or your personal life. They are a rudimentary, inevitable aspect of life. Not everybody, though, has a measured method of controlling and coping with their stressors. Stress triggers the levels of cortisol to rise, and if they remain elevated for long periods of time, they may have a detrimental effect on your health. Make an effort to sit with your stressors and identify ways in which you can alleviate tension or mediate.

We won’t lie and say managing your stress is easy, but there are a few simple ways you can ease yourself into facing your stressors head-on.

• Meditate for 15 minutes every morning and night
• Get in touch with your creative side— create a journal or start a sketchbook
• Find an online therapist
• See if your company offers any unique employee benefits

Step 4: Commit to an Exercise Routine

In building up your health, the next logical step is setting attainable targets for your physical fitness. Yes, we’re talking about exercise. What sort of activities do you enjoy? If you’re not much of a runner, there are still plenty of different options out there that will get your heart racing and body working. Whether you’re looking for something low-intensity like walking or rollerblading or something high-intensity like rowing and CrossFit, make sure that you set attainable goals when devising a workout routine.

Don’t neglect self-care, in addition to setting realistic fitness goals. In sustaining a healthier lifestyle, self-care is immensely consequential. Every now and again, make a pointed effort to dedicate time to pure self-care. Whether that means scheduling a massage or a spa day, or using essential oils to help you release stress and tension, finding time to rejuvenate is essential in any fitness routine.

Step 5: Spend More Time Outside

To enliven the spirits, sometimes what you need is a breath of fresh air— literally. There are a myriad of different activities you can take up in an effort to get in touch with the outdoors. Taking a stroll around a local park or having a solo picnic are stellar ways to immerse yourself into the natural world.

You can also schedule a hike if you are up for something more physically engaging. Not everybody is able to come out of quarantine quite yet, so make your decisions wisely. Some sun and fresh air can work wonders for your mental health, too.

Connecting with nature will alleviate stress, relieve anxiety, decrease blood pressure, boost your immune system, and so much more.

Wrapping Up

The most vital element to remember as you work to better yourself and become healthier and happier is that you’re doing this because you care for yourself. Although easier said than done, committing to a healthier version of yourself begins with a genuine connection within.

Recognize that times have been trying and give yourself the space and mental capacity to grow beyond and upward. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way toward becoming the best version of yourself.