How to be Savvy About Your Health

Savvy people know that their health is their most valuable asset, and they look after themselves accordingly. If it sounds a bit strange to say health is an asset, just stop and think where you’d be without it. If your body isn’t well and fit, nothing else matters, because you won’t be able to do any of the activities you enjoy or achieve your ambitions.

If you want to live a long and happy life, make sure you put your health and wellbeing ahead of everything else and learn to appreciate the value of being healthy.

Health basics

You may well be aware of the basic rules of healthy living, but how many of them are you sticking to?

• Diet

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, fiber, healthy fats, and high-quality protein is the foundation of good health. Whatever you consume affects the wellbeing of your entire body, and if you’re putting in a lot of junk, your body will struggle to cope. Too much sugar and unhealthy forms of fat can lead to serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and being overweight puts a significant strain on your system. Another vitally important aspect of diet is having enough to drink. If you’re not drinking enough water each day, you’ll be dehydrated, which again puts a strain on your body and causes headaches and fatigue.

• Bad habits

The number of people who smoke is declining, but there are still millions of people who do smoke tobacco, even though it’s well-established that there are multiple detrimental effects on your health. Maybe alcohol is your vice, although you may not even realize how much you’re drinking until it becomes a problem. For some people, narcotics provide a release from the stresses of life, but there are serious health risks associated with all forms of drug taking. Be honest with yourself and admit it if any of these bad habits are affecting your wellbeing. You may not relish the prospect of going through drug withdrawal, but the benefits of kicking the habit far outweigh the unpleasantness of quitting your bad habits.

• Exercise

The human body is capable of extraordinary physical feats, but many of us do little more than walk from our desk to the water cooler and back through the day. Your body needs to be used, and getting regular exercise reduces the risks of being affected by many health conditions, as well as making you feel strong and full of energy. If you don’t enjoy exercising, it might be because you haven’t found the right kind of activity, so don’t give up. Keep trying different forms of exercise until you find the one that’s right for you.

Last but not least, look after your mental health. Your mind is just as important as your body, and it needs to be cared for in exactly the same way. Learn to relax, so you give your mind a break, and deal with any problems that arise in your life rather than trying to suppress your emotions. If you combine all these elements of good health, you’ll have a much better chance of living that long and happy life.