It’s that time of year again! Everyone has their shiny New Year’s new resolutions in hand and is determined to see them through. Taking better care of one’s health is a common resolution, and the good news is there are simple things you can do to invest in a better quality of life, such as the following.
Exercise regularly.
Surprise, surprise. Everyone knows that exercise is a key ingredient to wellness, but it isn’t easy to form a routine and motivate yourself to stick to it. Paradoxically, the more you do exercise, the more energy you’ll have to sustain a routine. For most people, getting started is the biggest hurdle. Having a strong support system can be a massive help if you’re struggling to stay motivated. That could mean having an exercise buddy, taking group classes, or joining an online motivational group.
The benefits of regular exercise can’t be overstated. If you’re trying to lose weight, sure, it’ll definitely help ‚Äî but there are so many other ways it can improve your overall physical health. As mentioned before, exercise boosts energy by improving muscle strength. Not only will you have more energy to carry out everyday chores, but also for the things you enjoy. Increased energy can directly improve your sex life, for example. More than that, regular exercise can help prevent or improve health conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis and joint pain, inflammation, type 2 diabetes, and so much more.
Exercise can also help improve mental health, mitigating some of the effects of anxiety and depression. Working out releases endorphins, which has a therapeutic effect. You can experience better moods, more confidence, better sleep, and stronger cognitive functions. All of these factors, especially promoting relaxation and restful sleep will improve your mental health.
Prioritize your mental health.
We all know that our physical health is important, but most people go through life without a strong concept of how to take care of their mental wellbeing. While exercise can absolutely help, investing in your mental health should be a priority on its own. You can prioritize your mental health in several ways: keep a gratitude journal, learn to say no, try meditating, or spend at least 10 minutes a day doing something for the sole purpose of bringing yourself joy‚Äîand don’t feel guilty for it.
For some, exercise and self-care can only go so far. If you’re suffering from mental health issues like severe anxiety and depression, counseling can make a world of difference. More people have experienced symptoms of anxiety in the past year, which can include chest pains, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, headaches, and panic attacks. If left unchecked, these issues can be completely debilitating. If you’re having a hard time managing these symptoms, you should absolutely seek help from a counselor‚Äîthere is no shame in that whatsoever.
There are many different types of therapy, so you can be sure to find something that works for you. If you’re having relationship issues, for example, you could see a family therapist and try couples therapy. You may need to try out a few different counselors before finding the right fit, so don’t give up if it doesn’t feel right the first time you have a therapy session. If you’re wondering, “How do I find a psychotherapist near me?” there’s good news. It’s never been easier to find help with online services that can match you with a licensed counselor based on your specific needs. Telecounseling is also becoming more prominent in psychotherapy so that you can get treatment from the comfort of your own home.
Consume responsibly.
What you put into your body is another major factor in your overall health and wellness. Processed food is everywhere, from fast-food restaurants to grocery stores. In the United States, many people grow up eating processed foodstuff regularly. Changing your diet to consist of mostly natural and whole foods can be extremely challenging for some, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Try to make more meals using unprocessed, natural ingredients, and cut down on your meat consumption if you can. These two things alone can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and more.
Aside from food, people tend to consume many other things that aren’t necessarily good for their health, namely alcohol and tobacco. These bad habits can be difficult to break, especially during stressful times. Fortunately, some natural wellness products may help alleviate occasional anxiousness and ease discomfort, like CBD. While the FDA has only approved one CBD medication for rare forms of epilepsy, some anecdotal evidence suggests CBD (or cannabidiol) may help with these issues by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system. However, everyone’s reaction to CBD is different, so you should absolutely seek medical advice from your doctor before trying any CBD products.
If you decide to try CBD, there are a plethora of ways you can consume it. Using a dropper to administer CBD oil is still the most popular method, and it’s also one of the fastest ways to feel the effects of CBD. It’s important to note that CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, unlike THC. You can also enjoy CBD in vape, flower, or edible form. They even make CBD dog treats for our furry friends. You can mix some organic CBD oil for dogs into peanut butter for a delicious treat that might help your pup feel better and less anxious. Of course, you should always talk to your veterinarian before giving your pup any new products, just as you would with yourself.
Go to the doctor.
Nobody enjoys going to the doctor’s office, but having regular checkups and immunizations are some of the best things you can do for your health. Some issues can go unnoticed for a long time, like high blood pressure and diabetes. If you wait until you start experiencing symptoms to go to the doctor, it can be a lot harder or altogether impossible to reverse the problem. To be proactive about your health, you have to know what’s going on with your body. If your family has a history of medical issues like heart problems or cancer, you should absolutely be going to the doctor regularly to check for those issues.
Finding a good healthcare provider in the first place can be a challenge in the U.S. If you’re fortunate enough to have health insurance, your insurer should have a list of primary care options, and you can look up each doctor online to find a good fit. Most practitioners with years of experience even have Google reviews that you can read to help make the decision. This decision is critical if you’re seeking treatment for a chronic condition. Try to find a doctor that offers a combination of procedures and services, like the Cancer Treatment Center in Chevy Chase, MD, to create the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Like finding the right therapist, you may have to invest some time and effort into finding the best care provider.
Learning how to take care of your health and wellbeing can be challenging, but the benefits are well worth the investment. You can’t start living your best life until you start nurturing your body and your mind.
