These days, it is so easy to become rundown and feel less than your absolute best. We all get so busy trying to juggle work commitments with social ones, all the while trying to maintain fitness routines, eat well and protect our mental health.
We are all living high-stress lives in one way or another, and as a result, we lose focus of taking care of ourselves and making sure that our bodies are able to function optimally. In these times, nothing is worse than feeling ill – other than feeling physically sick, it can also feel like you are missing out on life. This is how our bodies tell us it’s time to slow down.
Below, you will find a list of tips on how to improve your overall health and nurture your body as best you can.
Eat your vegetables
We know – your parents have been telling you this for years! We can confirm that they are absolutely right. Nutritional experts suggest aiming for at least five servings of vegetables a day. They can be raw, steamed or stir-fried in order for you to maximise on their nutritional values. A diet that is high in vegetables gives you a reduced risk of developing cancer of the colon, breast, stomach, bladder and ovaries, to name a few.
Furthermore, vegetables in the boldest colours, such as broccoli, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes and leafy greens contain the most phytonutrients, which will give your immune system a nice, strong boost.
Sleep well
Again, your parents were absolutely right about setting a bedtime and sticking to it. Make sure that you try and get at least eight hours of sleep every night, as this will give your body sufficient time to rest and recover between your busiest days. If you, like so many others, have trouble falling asleep at night, consider relaxing activities like yoga and meditation.
There is also a whole host of foods that can help your body and mind shift into sleep mode, including wholegrain cereals, milk, cherries, oatmeal and chamomile tea. Try to sleep in a room that is as dark as possible and make sure that there is no light from a television, alarm clock or lamp that could be keeping you from falling into a good and proper sleep. Get to know more about playing online and then save this for when you’re wide awake.
Cut down on salt
It is easy to consume excess salt – just think about that saltshaker on your dining room table. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which coupled with a high-stress life, is certainly not good for your overall health.
Try to limit your use of salt only to cooking – you may find that you don’t even need the salt once you are eating anyway. If you find yourself missing the saltiness, try adding extra flavour to your food through the use of lemon or lime juice, peppers, garlic or herbs. Stocking your fridge full of fresh herbs will go a long way in helping you flavour your foods.