Achieving good health is a lifelong pursuit that requires consistent effort and a commitment to healthy choices. However, the thought of making drastic lifestyle changes can be overwhelming for many, causing them to give up before they even begin.
But what if we tell you that taking small steps towards improved health can also significantly impact your overall well-being?
In this article, we will explore seven small but impactful promises you can make to yourself to improve your health. Whether you’re looking to gain more strength, improve your mental health, or simply get into shape and feel better in your body, making these commitments can help you get there.
Let’s get started!
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Chew your food properly
Chewing your food properly helps greatly in aiding the digestion process. When you chew your food thoroughly, it breaks down into smaller, easily digestible pieces. This process also stimulates the production of digestive enzymes in your saliva and stomach, which helps your body break down food more efficiently.
Additionally, chewing your food well can help you to slow down while eating, which can help you feel fuller and more satisfied with smaller portions.
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Go out more often
We, humans, are social beings, and it is important that we go out and meet others like us, make meaningful conversations, and form connections.
Socializing can reduce stress and anxiety, boost the immune system, improve cognitive function, and even lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and dementia. It also provides opportunities for physical activity, such as going for a walk with friends, which can improve cardiovascular health and help maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, socializing can improve mood and self-esteem, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, and provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
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Ditch the couch and get moving
If you are looking to improve your health this year, ditching the couch and getting moving is your best bet.
Living a sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading causes of ill health. It can also lead to poor posture, weakened muscles and bones, and weight gain. Research has revealed that nearly one-third of the global population over 15 years of age is not sufficiently physically active, and this complacent attitude towards exercising costs nearly 3.2 million lives every year.
Regular physical activity, on the other hand, has numerous health benefits. Exercise has been shown to boost self-esteem, improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, physical activity provides opportunities for social interaction and can help build a sense of community and belonging.
However, it is important to note that staying active doesn’t necessarily mean running marathons or lifting heavy weights in the gym. Any activity that gets your body moving and your heart rate up can be beneficial for your health. This could include taking a walk in nature, playing with your kids or pets, dancing to your favorite music, or gardening.
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Exercise caution with medication
In order to maintain sound health, it is crucial to exercise caution while taking medication. One of the best ways to do this is to check the active ingredients of medications. This can help avoid the risk of allergic reactions and side effects.
A recent example of the disastrous consequences of negligence in administering medication is the case of Tepezza. Tepezza (Teprotumumab) is a medication used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), which has resulted in partial or permanent hearing loss in some patients.
This adverse effect was not listed as a potential side effect of the medication. If patients had been aware of the active ingredients of the drug, this potentially avoidable harm could have been prevented.
The victims of the drug’s adverse effects are now suing the manufacturers, Horizon Therapeutics, and several lawsuits have been filed across multiple district courts in the U.S.
The Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit is just one of the many examples of medication errors that highlight the importance of checking the active ingredients of medicines before consuming them.
Other important ways to ensure safe medication use include checking for interactions with other medications and food and tracking side effects to help identify potential adverse reactions, thereby allowing healthcare providers to make changes to the medication regimen if needed.
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Eat plenty of greens
Incorporating greens into your daily diet can have significant health benefits and promote overall well-being.
They are an excellent source of vitamins K, C, and A, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy bones, strong immune function, and overall cellular health.
The high fiber content of greens also helps to support digestive health and promote satiety, helping you to feel full and satisfied after a meal. Additionally, greens contain a variety of phytonutrients, which are compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help protect the body against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
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Get Your Vitamin Zzzz
Getting enough sleep is a crucial component of maintaining good health, both physical and mental.
It allows the body to rest and recharge, promoting physical and mental well-being. Sleep plays a vital role in the body’s repair and restoration process, helping to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular function.
Sufficient sleep also promotes healthy brain function, including memory consolidation and emotional regulation. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to a range of health problems, including an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
Sleep also regulates the hormones that control appetite and metabolism and is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight.
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Smile more often
Smiling is often associated with happiness and positive emotions, but did you know that there is also an association between smiling more often and better health? It turns out that the simple act of smiling can have a variety of health benefits, both physical and mental.
Smiling has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, thereby helping to lower the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. It can also help the body to better fight off illness and infection by boosting the immune system.
When we smile, our brain releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that can help reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Smiling also positively impacts social interactions. People who smile more often are often perceived as more approachable, likable, and trustworthy, which can lead to better relationships and social support. Smiling can also help to build empathy and rapport with others, improving communication and cooperation in personal and professional settings.
Conclusion
By making good health a priority and incorporating simple changes into your daily routine, you can take control of your well-being and improve your quality of life.
The 7 steps outlined in this article are a good place to start.
Remember, it’s important to start small and be consistent rather than attempting to make drastic changes overnight. So long as you are willing to be earnest and put little effort regularly, nothing can stop you from achieving your health goals in 2023!
