Your self-care routine plays a larger role in your life than you might realize. From the moment you wake up in the morning to when you go to bed at night, all the habits you've formed during this wakeful period can determine your long-term longevity, even if you don't feel the difference right now.
With that said, taking care of yourself should always be a priority, whether it's for your mental, physical, or emotional health. This is especially true if you have obligations such as a family to take care of—as a single preventable emergency visit to the hospital can spell disaster for your finances.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your overall health, here are six tips to get started on the path to improved health and a better appearance.
1) Pick Water Over Sweet Drinks
Do you drink more soda or juice than you do water? If so, it may be high time to cut these sugar-laden drinks out of your diet altogether.
Sugary drinks are one of the worst things you can consume when it comes to your health, as they can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other serious health problems.
According to a study published in Harvard's School of Public Health 1https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/sugary-drinks/, sugary drinks are the single largest source of calories in the United States. To further elaborate, a single 12-oz cup of soda contains 42 milligrams of sugar. That's equivalent to up to 12 teaspoons of sugar!
Instead of relying on having sugary drinks accompany your lunches and suppers, stick with good, old-fashioned water instead. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day, and be sure to drink even more if you're exercising or in a hot climate.
By hydrating yourself often, your skin will look supple and radiant, you'll have more energy, and you'll be less likely to overeat. Over time, you'll also develop fewer cravings for sweeter drinks, which can be a huge boon to your overall health in the long run.
Dehydration can cause us to experience food and sugar cravings, as well as a range of other negative symptoms. Fortunately, there are medical treatments such as hydration IV therapies that provide hydration quickly and efficiently to get you back on track. However, this is in case you’ve been dehydrated chronically and need a quick boost of vitamins and minerals. Many centres such as Hydration IV therapy in Tulsa offer safe and effective hydration IV therapies right from the comfort of your own home. The IV packages will help improve your skin health, reduce inflammation, and much more.
2) Eat More Natural Produce
When given the option to eat healthy food instead of overly processed ones, always pick the former. There's simply no comparison in terms of nutritional value and health benefits.
For one, processed foods are high in fat and salt, making it easy to overeat and gain weight. They're also lacking in fiber, vitamins, and minerals—all of which are essential to maintaining a healthy body.
With that said, aim to fill your plate with plenty of natural products, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. These foods will give you the energy you need to make it through the day with a pep in your step.
Conversely, avoid foods that are high in saturated fats and sugar, as these can lead to a host of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
3) Take Care of Your Skin
We all know that the skin is the outermost organ in our body, but did you know that the skin is the body's largest organ as well?
You don't have to go all out and apply an intensive skincare routine to keep your skin radiant. Even women in their 40s and 50s can achieve radiant skin by following simple skin health guidelines.
These are some ways to improve skin health:
- Washing your face every day with a gentle cleanser
- Moisturizing your skin to prevent dryness and irritation
- Avoiding harsh skincare products that strip away your natural oils
- Exfoliating your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells
- Wearing sunscreen every day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays
If you want to take it a step further, you can try looking into clinical treatments to achieve radiant skin. Read more about the benefits of skin treatments like anti-wrinkle injections.
4) Exercise Regularly
We may groan at the thought of having to hit the gym or go out on a run, but there's no denying that it's one of the best things you can do for your health.
Not only does exercise help you maintain a healthy weight, but it also strengthens your bones and muscles, reduces your risk of chronic diseases, and improves your mental health.
If you're looking to start upping your physical activity, try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, even if it's just a brisk walk around your home.
Once your body becomes sturdier, you can progress to more strenuous exercises like weightlifting, long-distance running, and HIIT exercises. By exercising regularly, you can keep your body active and well-defined, which is an added plus to the energy boost that exercising already gives you.
5) Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough rest is vital for both your physical and mental health. It's a way for your body to reset and repair itself to get ready for the next few days.
Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep 2https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep per night. Any less than that can lead to fatigue, a weakened immune system, and a highly irritable mood the next day.
If you find it difficult to get enough shut-eye at night, consider the following tips to achieve high-quality sleep:
- Avoid using your bed for non-sleep activities
- Establish a proper sleep routine
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
- Keep distractions like phones and laptops away from your bed
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep
- Use sleeping aids like eye masks and earplugs if needed
These suggestions will help you achieve the restful sleep you rightly deserve.
Additional resources and citations
- 1https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/sugary-drinks/
- 2https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/get-enough-sleep
