If you could take a snapshot of your life, would it reflect a healthy, happy situation? Or is there room for improvement, but you already have so much on your plate it seems too complicated? Sometimes there are avenues for change that might surprise you! Here are a few ideas for becoming healthier without having to go to a lot of trouble.
Take a daily break
One of the challenges of our lifestyles these days is the tendency to become absorbed with busyness. However, spending time in relaxation offers a number of worthwhile health benefits, such as lowering your heart rate, decreasing your blood pressure, slowing your breathing, and reducing muscle tension. It’s a great way to feel better and relieve stress. Set aside at least 20 or 30 minutes each day just to relax in a comfortable position – not watching TV or surfing the web, just relaxing.
If you find you struggle with sticking to your plan, a meditation app could be just the ticket. Apps often provide a variety of options, like session lengths, varied background sounds, and different techniques. Many are free, so you can try something out for a while, and if you decide you don’t like it, test drive another one.
Get away from it all
Even with daily relaxation, we all benefit from the occasional getaway. As Inc. explains, taking vacations can be an important part of your wellness plan. It’s a chance to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, boost productivity, and it might even help prevent heart disease. Even if you can’t swing a routine trip far away, staying closer to home can give you a much needed break from the daily rigamarole. San Diego has plenty to do, and some terrific places to stay.
To take your staycation to the next level, consider lodging in a vacation rental close to things that interest you. For example, Turnkey notes that if you want to visit the zoo, you may want to stay near or in the Gaslamp Quarter, between Inspiration Point North and Penn Station neighborhoods. If the sands and ocean waves of La Jolla are more your thing, staying in Pacific Beach allows you to be close without paying a premium. The choices really are myriad.
Boosting your financial and health benefits, staying close also allows you to save money on transportation, as you can walk or ride a bike, adding exercise to your days and stretching your pennies.
On top of being close to interesting attractions, by choosing a vacation rental with a full kitchen, you can prepare your own meals. Restaurants can get expensive, and they are notorious for being unhealthy, harboring high levels of sodium, cholesterol, and trans fat. By doing your own cooking, you can choose what goes into your body during your getaway.
Mid-life wellness
While the middle years are often the butt of jokes, for many adults, it’s a time in life they are finally comfortable in their own skin. No longer pursuing the ideal physique of younger years, health, happiness, and wellness become priorities, particularly when looking ahead to the senior years.
If you’re in your middle years and looking for simple methods of optimizing your health, consider adding some exercises for improved joint health. For instance, swimming, yoga, and resistance training can all boost your strength and flexibility, keeping you more comfortable, active, and on the go.
You should also examine your diet carefully. It’s important to eat a nutritious diet including a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, seafood, and poultry.
Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Medical News Today points out processed foods tend to be high in sugar, artificial ingredients, sodium, and high-fructose corn syrup, all of which are associated with food addictions and reduced nutrition intake.
Good health is crucial at any age. No matter what your circumstances are, ensure you take time out for relaxation, and get away from it all now and then. Maintain a fitness and healthy eating program both in your day-to-day regimen and on vacation. Even if you have a lot on your plate, healthy lifestyle can be yours with these simple tips.
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Article by Jennifer McGregor
mcgregor_jennifer@
PublicHealthLibrary.org
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