5 Tips for Creating a Road Map to Better Health
Habit formation is a natural and inevitable part of the human experience. Everyone has habits, and the vast majority of them are positive routines that contribute to well-being. On the other hand, less-than-healthy routines can develop as well. Occasionally, you may let your guard down and make poor decisions, such as binge eating, smoking, or drinking too much. Soulful Relationships Psychotherapy lists some habits you can incorporate into your new road map to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilled life.
1. Develop a Sleeping Pattern That Works
A good night’s sleep can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Many diseases and disorders are associated with insufficient quality sleep. Diseases including Alzheimer’s and heart attacks are on that list, but so are diabetes and obesity. Inadequate rest also negatively affects your emotional and physiological well-being. People with high-quality sleep typically only wake up once or twice per night for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Also, for a better night’s sleep, rethink your bedroom. A cool, quiet space with the right colors and comfortable bedding can make a world of difference. For starters, go online and look for a beautiful, long-lasting custom bed set that suits your style.
2. Spend Time in Nature and Reconnect With Yourself
Trees are a big part of what makes being outside so therapeutic; it’s not just the air or the sun. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation notes that “forest bathing,” or simply spending time in a wooded area, has positive health effects. It can aid in healing from illness and speed up the recovery process after surgery or illness by decreasing blood pressure and stress and elevating mood. It also enhances concentration, energy, and sleep quality.
3. Include Regular Walks In Your Routine
You can live a healthy life by doing something as easy as going for a regular brisk stroll. Mayo Clinic points out that frequent brisk walking can assist you in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Plus, it can aid in the management or prevention of a number of illnesses, including heart disease and high blood pressure. If you have a desk job, you can walk more by arranging walking breaks, using the stairs rather than the elevator, collecting your meals in person rather than having them delivered, and going to your coworkers’ offices in person to deliver messages.
4. Incorporate More Nutrient-Dense Food Into Your Diet
Focus on eating more nutrient-rich meals rather than giving in to your body’s cravings for junk food. Try adding more kale, blueberries, and egg yolks to your diet. These foods all rank in the top 10 foods that are nutrient-rich.
5. Create a Workout Schedule
Regular exercise has been shown to have positive effects on mental and physical health. Most importantly, a regular exercise regimen is proven to be related to enhanced recovery results when tackling a harmful habit, such as addiction. Make time for exercise every day, just like you would for work or your kids. Moreover, remember to take baby steps. It’s unlikely you’ll stick with it if you force yourself to accomplish too much at once.
Take Charge of Your Health and Well-Being
Making time for self-care is the key to developing and implementing a plan for better health. Sleep that’s aided with a comfy bed set, spending time in nature, a simple walk, better nutrition, and exercise can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Image via Pexels / blog contributor, Jonathan Warner
Soulful Relationships Psychotherapy helps couples enrich their partnership, deepen their connection, increase sexual pleasure and create sustainable, long-lasting commitment. Contact us today to learn more!