The definition of “health” seems to be an ever-evolving, somewhat elusive term. But health isn’t complicated, it’s just that too often people get overwhelmed when they think about improving their health. So we’re here to help you simplify your approach and believe you’ll find it much easier to achieve sustainable results.
Health, according to the World Health Organization, is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity". [1] If that sounds lofty, it isn’t. Health is merely a few small habits away.
Experts widely consider movement, good nutrition, hydration, sleep and mindfulness to be crucial to healthy living. While these pillars of good health help keep your body running, they also do wonders for your emotional well-being. The key is to pay equal attention to each pillar, as ignoring one could impact your ability to sustain the others.
The more we balance these five pillars within our lives, the better our chances of feeling good in the long run. You cannot exercise away a poor diet or find the energy to exercise when you’re exhausted and sleep-deprived. Just the way physical activity helps you sleep better and improves your mood.
The best way to form a new habit is to tie it to an existing one. Your morning cup of coffee, for example, could also be an opportunity to begin a one-minute meditation practice. Or, upgrade your water bottle for a larger one to help ensure that you’re staying hydrated – a 24 oz. bottle might only need 3 refills a day, whereas a 16 oz. bottle would need 5 refills.
Habits can take a long time to create, but they form faster when we do them more often. People have an easier time sticking to their goals when they have planned ahead, so in the coming weeks, we hope to provide you applicable insight and practical tips for improving in each area.
Comments