The health of the body is an important aspect to a person’s wellbeing. There are many different things that can contribute to the health of a person, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent disease and promote a longer, more active life.
When the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health in 1948, they wrote that “health is not merely a state of absence of disease or infirmity”. In modern times, medical science has made significant strides in understanding how diseases work and discovering new ways to slow or stop them. But, this is not a sign that disease-free living is possible. Instead, it is time to shift our thinking about health to focus on a more holistic approach.
As a society, we spend a lot of money on healthcare to keep us well but are we spending enough time focusing on our own health? Many people have good intentions, but they have a hard time committing to regular physical activity and incorporating dietary and sleep changes into their lives. In order to truly improve your health, it’s a good idea to start small and make gradual changes that you can stick with over the long term.
For example, if you’re trying to improve your nutrition, switch from eating fast food or frozen dinners to cooking meals at home with fresh ingredients. Eating healthier foods will decrease your salt, sugar, and fat intake which will ultimately lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Additionally, if you’re struggling to get enough sleep or manage your stress levels, try to incorporate a relaxing nightly routine into your daily schedule such as a warm bath or meditation.
When it comes to your emotional health, take the time to cultivate your own happiness through self-care and spending time with family and friends. Studies show that spending more time with loved ones can increase your mood, lower your stress levels, and reduce depression and anxiety. Similarly, spending more time on hobbies such as exercising, cooking, and crafting can also boost your mood, relieve stress, and prevent depression and anxiety.
A positive outlook on life can also lead to better mental health, as you’re more likely to find joy in everyday events. Having close relationships with friends and family can also reduce your risk of suicide as well as help you deal with difficult life events.
In the end, a person’s health is defined by their values. Values are shaped throughout life by parents, peers, schools, laws, the media, and one’s own personal experiences. Changing the place of health on the scale of values cannot be done by the healthcare sector alone. Instead, it is a task for everyone to tackle. Getting started on the path towards a healthier you is just a click away!