How do you know if you're living a healthy life?
People use the word "healthy" in a lot of different ways, which can be confusing. For example, looking for "healthy" on Instagram shows ideas about how to look good, bodybuilding supplements, detox drinks, and the latest diets.
Researchers point out some major problems with this idea. First, social media changes the behaviours that people value in order to meet their goals. However, these behaviours usually put physical beauty first, which can have negative effects on mental health and poor physical health.
Contradiction: Research shows that body form does not show health. Are we losing sight of what health really means in a society where body images that look great are so common?
Not smoking, eating well, and working out are all important parts of living a good life, but they are not enough.
A healthy way of life requires balance and more freedom than social media. All the detox drinks in the world can't make up for a sedentary lifestyle. You don't have to make all of these changes at once. Because studies show that small changes become habits that last a long time.
In plans to lose weight, it's easy to forget about eating a healthy diet. Eating enough meals that are high in nutrients is important for your health. Not getting enough magnesium, calcium, vitamins A, C, D, E, and K can make it hard to sleep. A lack of protein slows down the metabolism, which makes you gain weight. Healthy fats make you feel better and keep your heart healthy.
Being active on a regular basis can help you keep your weight in check, lower your chance of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, protect your bones and joints, and boost your mood and mental health. Even if you don't have the skills or time, working out can help you. A 20-minute fast walk every day can help keep your heart healthy.
Know yourself. If you think something is wrong, find out more about it or get ready to make changes to your life. Always keep in mind that what's good and long-lasting for one person might not be for someone else.
Having a lot of energy during the day can mean you got enough sleep, but it can also mean you ate a lot of fats, carbs, and proteins. Checking your energy level throughout the day can help you figure out which good choices to make more of or less of.
Stress can't be avoided. Researchers say that if you handle stress well, it can be helpful. Setting limits shows that you can deal with stress well. This could mean rethinking your living place, your emotional needs, the time you spend on certain things, your thoughts and ideas.
Dentists say that the mouth shows how healthy the body is. If you don't take care of your teeth, germs can get into your lungs and digestive system. Less protection means more germs in your body.
Take care of yourself before you get sick. Regular checkups and screenings can also help avoid diseases and long-term conditions and find them early, when treatment is most likely to work.