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By Jennifer McGregor
We use a lot of statistics to determine health, but being healthy isn’t just about numbers. Yes, some numbers matter, such as your weight and your blood pressure, but how you feel matters, too. And, truth be told, the numbers and the feelings are all interconnected; if those numbers are too high or too low, it’s likely you already feel out of sorts.
Many people struggle to make physical and mental health and wellness a priority. We often set ourselves up to achieve some pretty unrealistic health goals. Not only does that hurt us mentally, emotionally and physically, but it can also damage us financially, as well. How often do you spend loads of cash on crash diets, exercise equipment, and gym memberships that go unused for the majority of the year?
You shouldn’t feel ashamed of wanting to get healthier or when those goals go unrealized. However, you should feel motivated to pick up and try again. Check out these simple tips to help you start and stick to a head-to-toe health overhaul.
Be Confident in Who You Already Are
You have value just as you are. Working on becoming a healthier version of yourself isn’t a judgment call on your worth; it’s a sign of self-respect. Start by making little changes in confidence now. For example, you can stock up on makeup, skincare, and other beauty items. Consider going on Groupon to get deals on haircuts, facials, nails, and other beauty services to help boost your confidence in the ways you already radiate health and wellness.
Be Flexible in Mind and Body
A regular yoga and meditation practice can help you build strength in mind and body. Studies show that people who take up the practice can better manage stress, reduce the risk of injury, build lean muscle mass and improve flexibility. Being flexible isn’t just about being able to touch your toes (although that is a nice side effect). It’s about being compassionate with yourself when you do lose track. Feeling guilt or shame can keep you in unhealthy patterns.
Focus on Your Dental Health
Similar to the concept of a mind-body connection, your oral health is also linked to the rest of your body. Improper dental care can increase your chances of developing diabetes, for example. Maintaining good dental hygiene can help prevent health problems such as gum disease and heart attacks. In addition to regularly brushing and flossing, it’s crucial that you assess your teeth’s alignment. If they’re misaligned, you may have a harder time keeping your teeth clean, so it’s best to look into a treatment.
When it comes to alignment treatment options, clear aligners are a popular choice since they’re more discreet than traditional braces. However, keep in mind that not all clear aligners look exactly the same. Some aligners may be slightly more visible than others based on their texture. For example, Candid has a “frosted” surface, which can make your teeth look more natural. However, if you find that a “shinier” smile is more attractive, you can go with a smooth texture like the Byte aligners. Make sure you thoroughly research your options and choose the one that will best fit your needs.
Be Conscious of Not Only What You Eat, But Also Why and How
In American culture, we frequently rush through fast-food drive-thrus or pop a frozen entree in the microwave. While doing this from time to time isn’t a crime, you’ll want to make some major changes if those options make up the majority of your diet. It might seem like buying healthier foods will inflate your grocery bill, but you can maximize your finances by joining a meal delivery service. Many of them offer a deep discount on the first month, and even if you do continue the service, the cost per meal is actually often quite cheaper. While you gently shift away from eating fast food and processed meals, be sure to keep a food journal logging when you eat and how you feel. Connecting your eating habits to your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors can help you break some unhealthy associations you have with food.
All too often we try to make big changes happen overnight, and that’s why they are so hard to keep — we often take drastic measures too quickly. So, make progress with small, intentional steps to save time and sustain your success.
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