Did you know? The global health and wellness industry was valued at $4.5 trillion in 2018. It’s clear that people around the world are focused on one big thing: their health!
It’s not hard to see evidence of that. Health and wellness are just about everywhere, from health food stores to wellness boutiques. We’re always exploring, researching, and discussing ways to get healthier and achieve wellness goals. It’s no wonder the health and wellness industry is so valuable.
If you, like so many other people, are interested in improving your health, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our 5 favorite tips for improving your health.
Think, “Balance”
We live in a world of fads and trends, and health and diet is no exception. While low-fat diets were huge in the late 90s, low-carb diets like the Keto diet are now the king of the dieting world. And it’s no wonder why the world is so attracted to them! Diets like the Keto diet show immediate and dramatic results, with people shedding tens of pounds in just a few months.
But the truth of fad diets is that they simply do not work long term. Diets that are restrictive and prohibitive are simply unsustainable, and as soon as you quit, the pounds come back.
Rather than taking a restrictive approach to your diet, think, “balance” instead. No food is your enemy. Carbs, proteins, fats, and more all have a rightful place in your diet. Focus on whole grains rather than simple carbs like potatoes and white bread. Make sure the biggest portion of your plate is fruits and vegetables. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and never punish yourself for eating the “wrong” foods. All food is nutrition!
Find Joy in Movement
We, as humans, were built for movement. In fact, exercise is a great source of endorphins and dopamine—two chemicals that make us happy. So why do we detest working out so much?
For one, working out is hard. Many of us lead mostly sedentary lifestyles and spend much of our day at a desk or behind a computer screen. When we do work out, we work out hard. After all, that might be our only exercise of the day!
There’s also an undeniably intense culture that surrounds exercise. Many boast a “blood, sweat, and tears” mentality when it comes to working out and participate in “bootcamps” and “body blasting” exercise. It all sounds so brutal!
Rather than punishing yourself with exercise, try to find joy in movement. Get those Nike running shoes out of the gym and into the world. Try hiking, biking, swimming, or simply go for a walk around your neighborhood. Explore yoga and other mindful exercises. There’s so many ways to get moving; it’s just a matter of finding what makes you happy!
Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health
Perhaps one of the most ironic things about the health and wellness industry is that it neglects one of the most important features of your health: your mental health. Not only is mental health just as important as physical health, but it turns out the two are connected, too. Things like depression and anxiety can prohibit people from participating in physical health activities.
If you’re serious about your physical health, you need to get serious about your mental health, too. That means focusing on getting enough sleep, keeping stressors to a minimum, and seeking help if you need it.
Mental health issues have spent years cloaked in shame and secrecy, but they’re finally beginning to get the attention they deserve. It’s now easier than ever to get help with your mental health. Thanks to mental health apps and video calls, you can even get help from a professional without leaving the comfort of your home.
Celebrate Yourself
The most important way to improve your health is to make the process a positive experience. If you dread the process of improving your health, you simply will not stick to it. Find ways to get excited about it. Discover delicious, well-balanced recipes and find an exercise you love so much that you forget it’s even exercise. Recognize the way your body and mind change, and celebrate the positive changes and your success.
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