Five Strategies for Better Health
By Space Coast Daily // November 17, 2019
It’s human nature to want to feel better and enjoy good health. Experts say that one of the main factors holding us back is a lack of focus on what’s important in life.
Too often, we become caught up in job duties, television dramas, stressful news cycles, relationship problems, and other health-draining endeavors.
Those who offer psychological and medical services often say that returning to our basic needs, like nutrition and mental relaxation, can go a long way to fostering physical well-being.
What are some of the most effective ways to deliver a quick burst of healthy serenity or physical goodness to yourself? Doctors and other professionals agree that the following suggestions can work for most people:
Calm Your Mind
One of the newer discoveries in the area of medicine pertains to the value of calming the mind. There’s been much research pointing to the strong connection between a serene mind and a robust body.
Make meditation, prayer or deep contemplation a part of your daily life. Studies have shown that people who clear their minds with meditation or prayer for 30 minutes or more per day have stronger hearts, lungs, kidneys, brains and skin. There’s something holistic, it seems, about allowing your brain to sort of shut down for a short spell every day.
Don’t Do Drugs
Unless a doctor prescribes a drug for you, don’t take it. This includes prescription medicines with someone else’s name on the label. According to insurance actuaries, illicit drug use is the single biggest cause of premature death.
So, even if you experimented years ago, say goodbye to the non-prescription items and you’ll enjoy a happier, heartier, longer life.
See Professional Help if You’re Stressed
It’s easy to locate a behavioral health professional in large and small cities. Finding therapy in Oakland, for example, is as easy as calling the municipal social services department and telling them what sort of counseling you want.
They’ll give you several numbers for vetted, licensed therapists who specialize in the kind of treatment you’re looking for. It works the same way in every other city, so never be reluctant to seek assistance.
Treat Your Body Well
The suggestion is as obvious as it is powerful: treat yourself right by getting regular exercise, eating right, avoiding risky activities, taking time off when you need it, staying out if the sun and driving carefully. You only have one body. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
Avoid drinking more than one or two servings of alcohol per day. Take rest breaks throughout the day if you feel the need. Stretch regularly. Learn to enjoy a hot bath.
Develop a Regular Sleep Schedule
It’s easy to let sleep habits get out of control. If you’re over 25 and still have trouble getting into a regular sleep pattern, consider asking your physician or behavioral specialist for help.
Regular bouts of sleep that last 7 hours or more are a prerequisite for optimum health. This is especially true for older people or those approaching old age.
