Modern life can be busy and stressful, which can make it easy to overlook the most important thing of all, your health. Whether you drive to work then spend 8 hours staring at a screen, load yourself up on sugary snacks and energy drinks, or stay up late every night to squeeze in that new Netflix show, modern habits can be draining on your health. Let’s look at the essential steps to care for your body, and be a happier, healthier you.
Dental
Your teeth take a lot of damage in the modern world. High amounts of salt and sugar are hiding around every corner, caffeine can leave stains, and around 1 in 10 adults grind their teeth in their sleep.
The solution is simple. There’s no need to give up coffee, sugar, or salt, just keep an eye on your consumption and make sure you know what’s going into your mouth. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day will keep your teeth clean, but the most important step is to find a trustworthy local dentist and attend regular check-ups.
Look for a dentist with a great track record and proven results, like St. Andrew’s Dental Centre – Aurora. Once you find the right dentist for you, getting a check-up will be a stress-free, positive, and beneficial experience.
Skin
We sit under artificial light for most of the day, which can be damaging to the skin, it’s easy to get a little dehydrated and feel your skin dry up, and your skin is very sensitive to temperature changes. The most important keys to tackle these skincare obstacles are product and routine.
Find a product that’s right for you. Preferably something with natural ingredients, dermatologically approved and cruelty-free for good measure. It can take some trial and error, but finding that perfect moisturizer will put a spring in your step.
Setting up a routine will help you to stay on top of your skincare, as well as providing a healthy balance for your skin. You can use apps that use your goals and information to build you an ideal routine. Follow your routine as accurately as you can, and your skin will be glowing again before you know it.
Hair
Your hair can be essential to your confidence. It’s a common goal to get your number of good hair days up as high as possible. But how can you do that?
Don’t wash it every day. Your hair releases natural oils which are extremely beneficial and vital for healthy-looking hair. If you smother your locks in shampoo every day then you’re stripping your hair of all that natural goodness. Everybody’s hair is different, some are more oily than others, which means some people can last longer between washes before they start looking a little greasy. Try only washing your hair every 2 or 3 days, you’ll be surprised by the results.
There are hundreds of hair care products on the market, some of them can give you great results, but leave your hair looking damaged over time. One of the best solutions is a hair mask. Masks are designed to provide a deep conditioning treatment that will help with heat and UV damage. If you use one every couple of weeks, you’ll notice your damaged hair repairing.
Exercise
This is the big one. A lot of people don’t have the time or money to commit to an extensive gym routine, so what can you do instead?
Walking might seem too easy, but if you walk a decent distance every day then you’ll feel the benefits. If possible, walking to and from work is a great step. If you can’t do that, then try parking a little further away from work and walk a mile from your car and back, or get off the train one stop early. Try and pick up the pace and walk a little faster than average to get your heart pumping.
Small and consistent exercises can be more beneficial in the long run than 3 weekly sessions at the gym. Take 5 minutes every hour to stand up, stretch, and jog on the spot to raise your heartbeat. Bit by bit it will make a difference. You could even consider desk exercise equipment to keep you moving as much as possible.
If you struggle to get into the small daily exercises, then try exercising with a friend to motivate each other. Instead of sitting in a cafe, get your coffee to go and take a walk around the block. Make sure to reward yourself for the effort, set short-term goals, and celebrate achieving them.
Sleep
Sleep is essential and widely overlooked. It’s all too easy to lie awake at night staring at your phone or to let your anxieties keep you awake.
A sleep schedule is a great tool to keep you on track. Set yourself a bedtime and a wake-up time and try your best to stick to them. Try not to nap or sleep in, and set the mood for going to sleep. Stay away from screens and food before bed. Light a candle and read a book for half an hour before your scheduled bedtime. You’ll feel relaxed and at ease for a good night’s sleep.
An average adult needs between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night, but most of us get far less. You can use a sleep tracker to monitor your circadian rhythm and track the quality of your sleep. This can help you to adjust your schedule and see where you’re struggling with that perfect night.
Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing are completely intertwined. A happy mind will lead to a healthier body due to the increased motivation, focus, and willingness to improve yourself.
Take time to relax, breathe and meditate as often as you can, ideally every day. This time is vital to organize your thoughts and manage your anxieties. You could try a mindfulness app to give you some direction with your meditation, which is especially helpful for a first-timer.
Talking about your feelings is hugely beneficial to your wellbeing. Find a trusted friend who will listen to anything you need to say, and then make sure to listen to them as well. Bringing other people into your wellbeing journey has got to be a give-and-take relationship. If you’re not comfortable talking with others, then start out by journaling. Keep a log of your thoughts and feelings, and you’ll feel the weight lift off your shoulders.
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