Investments are critical for the security of our future. From the time our first salary gets deposited in our bank accounts, our well-wishers and financial service providers guide us to create a robust investment plan in alignment with our present aspirations and future goals. It is prudent to start early to reap the maximum benefits and not postpone saving or investing till a mishap occurs. All of you would agree that it defeats the entire purpose, otherwise.
Surprisingly, when it comes to health though, a significant section of the population doesn’t follow the same philosophy and instead practices a reactive approach, rather than a proactive one. It is critical to understand that workouts or following a balanced diet should not be included in one’s routine after an ailment. Rather, it should be done as a preventive action to avoid illnesses and stay active and healthy for leading a fulfilling life. There is a legit reason that the term “health is wealth” was coined. On the occasion of World Health Day, let us choose to honour and protect our health and bodies that help us achieve all our dreams in life!
Clean Eating = Robust Health- Eating right is one of the prerequisites for good health. You should focus on eating a clean and balanced diet. Include generous portions of fibres such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, including leafy ones, some amount of protein, and a proportionately lesser amount of carbohydrates and fats to lead an energetic and active life. Avoid processed food at all costs and try having fresh, homemade food to the maximum extent possible. Always remember that junk food may taste good momentarily but does long-term damage to our health. Hence, create a sustainable diet plan instead of following fads.
Take Your Play (Workout) Seriously- Regular workout is the key to good health and everything else that follows with it. Choose a workout depending on your requirements and suitability. Aim to work out atleast 4 – 5 times a week. Apart from keeping you healthy, a workout also inculcates discipline and helps in managing the increasing stress levels. You could even transform a workout session or outdoor games into a family activity. Instead of hitting that new restaurant next time, go for a hike as a family to spend time and bond better. Play cricket or badminton or any other outdoor sport of your choice instead of opting for a movie outing. These small tricks will not only ensure an active lifestyle for the entire family but also creates wonderful memories for you to reflect and smile on.
Yoga for the body, mind, and soul- Yoga is a form of exercise not just for the betterment of one’s physical health, but also for their mental health. Unlike popular 20 day challenges that make you lose weight swiftly, but make it gain back even faster, yoga has long-lasting benefits. A combination of yoga, meditation, and workout would greatly enhance productivity and efficiency, as well as keep all the dreaded diseases at bay. A half an hour to one-hour yoga sessions, 5–6 times a week, would transform your lifestyle for the better.
Hydrate, and then hydrate some more- Women should drink 2-3 litres of water a day and men between 3-4 litres per day. Water is one of the most underrated factors when it comes to building a healthy lifestyle. It’s a zero-calorie drink that flushes away the body’s toxins, keeps us fresh, and our skin and hair glowing! Apart from water, you can also consume other healthy drinks such as fresh juices, detox drinks, or healthy smoothies and milkshakes.
Catch your winks- Sleeping habits play a significant role in staying refreshed and healthy. 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is vital to waking up energetic for your morning workout or busy day at work. Some people also find it productive to take short power naps of 10 –15 minutes during the day. Ideally, you should try sleeping and waking up early as it makes an individual more efficient. An adequate amount of sleep goes a long way in reducing stress, managing ideal weight, lowering ailments, and maintaining hormonal levels, among other benefits.
Ditch the vices- Refrain from smoking or alcohol consumption. If you must, consume it in small proportions at elongated frequencies. Both these vices can have an adverse impact on one’s body including cardiovascular diseases or cancer, among others. Another often overlooked factor in our lives is the consumption of excess sugar. Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses in the world and your sugar intake can greatly impact this disease that becomes a gateway to other complicated and serious illnesses.
Bust That Stress through Hobbies- Hobbies can have great benefits in keeping one stress-free in today’s hyper-competitive world. Choose a productive hobby that instils a sense of pride while pursuing it and leaves you feeling more enriched. Hobbies are a very unique and effective way to express self-love, while being productive. Pick up that painting brush or that instrument that you long wanted to. Enjoy some me-time with gardening or any art and craft, or any other hobby of your choice, 2–3 times a week to feel rejuvenated.
Parting Thoughts- It is true that Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with little effort, every single day. The same applies to our bodies, as well. It requires consistency, patience, and a lot of love to remain happy and healthy. There is no single magic trick for good health; rather it takes a holistic approach to build an overall healthy lifestyle. Apart from practicing a fitness regime, one should also do regular checkups if they’re above 35, or have a sedentary lifestyle, irrespective of age.
And last, but far from the least, always follow this motto for health – ‘A stitch in time saves nine’. This World Health Day, take a pledge to always be there for your body so that it can be there for you, when needed.
The writer is a fitness expert.