This is the first installment for the post from the healthy habits series. Be sure to return for other entries in this set.
Do you know what to do when your health starts to flag?
You know how sometimes you get sick, your sinuses fill and apply pressure to your head to bulge, only there are no plates in your skull to allow expansion? Your eyelids want to shut but it feels like they can’t go over your eyeballs which are burning, itching, and stinging–even they feel swollen. Whoa, I had a flashback.
Anyway, it makes you wonder how you can avoid the next bout of flu or sinus infection. Or, you hear someone else’s story and you think it’s time you took stock. What do you do with that motivation? Start by reviewing some key lifestyle points. Thins often covers things that we overlook, underestimate or just let slide now and again, until bad habits are formed.
Often making simple, easy lifestyle changes can improve health, life and work. Following are five lifestyle areas that you can optimize with good, healthy habits.
1. How’s your diet? Your body is nourished by foods providing vitamins and minerals. I have a habit of letting many things get in the way of eating a balanced diet–until I get sick. Then I try to do everything right, to recover faster at least. In my search for good, healthy foods, I have discovered 2 things:
- I could prepare some of the foods I eat differently, and get more out of them
- My diet doesn’t include enough raw, live foods
Better eating habits can make you feel better and be more productive. In my next post I will share the dietary practices I am implementing, and why.
2. Are you drinking enough of the right fluids? Water is all your body really needs. Adequate amounts of water help to flush out toxins that can drag you down. It can be more refreshing than energy drinks, and it’s definitely safer—especially if you drink purified water. For example, did you know a cool glass of water can give you an energy boost.
3. Are you getting enough exercise? Enough is a term relative to who you are and what you do. But if you’re writing for a living, chances are you don’t get enough. Especially if you work from home. Showering, dressing and preparing breakfast before you sit at the computer probably isn’t doing all that your body needs. Adding 15 to 20 minutes of exercises to raise your heart daily is easier than you might think. Try dancing to your favorite dance music.
4. Do you get enough good rest? If you really love what you’re doing and are drawn into it, you may lose track of time. Doing this on a regular basis can cost you a lot for your health, and work. Develop and keep to your schedule. I find that my writing is much easier when I’m properly rested.
5. Can you identify and eliminate other stress? Many things can cause stress, besides a bad diet, dehydration and sleeplessness. And what gives me stress may not give you stress. Find out what causes you stress and work to eliminate it because prolonged stress can cause reactions like loss of focus, headaches and digestive issues.
Pay Attention to What Your Body is Telling You
When your health concerns become chronic, when they last for too long, you may need to see a doctor. You know your body. Be still and in your quiet times, attend to what’s going on that might be keeping you from your best health. If several symptoms happen together and persist for long, (in my case it was months), let your doctor check to be sure it’s not something serious. Assess your lifestyle, and begin to make changes.
