Our health has never been more important especially now that we are battling a lethal virus. In a world bent on surviving one day at a time, your cut above the rest is to have a strong immune system and a healthy body. There is practically no room for excuses because we have a lot of time on our hands while spending most of our days at home. We should use this opportunity to act and think of ways that will further strengthen our mind and body.
Keep Track of Your Weight
Many have gained weight during the lockdown that’s been going on for more than a year now. One of the primary reasons is that most of us are staying indoors and it limits the opportunity to be more physically active. Before, we can simply take walks or go on a morning run. Another reason behind the weight gain is extreme anxiety. The threat of a worldwide pandemic results in stress eating as a way for many to cope.
Being overweight or on the verge of obesity can put you at risk of many illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common health conditions associated with too much weight gain are:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder Disease
- Sleep Apnea
- Breathing problems
Eat Healthy Foods
There is a so-called ‘quarantine diet’ going around the internet today. It basically refers to the most common foods that are being eaten while on lockdown. This diet is mainly composed of foods high in fats as well as carbohydrates such as bread, noodles, and rice.
If you want a healthier body, you have to focus on eating healthy and there is no way around it. It takes dedication and discipline to make sure that you are feeding your body with nutritious foods. It doesn’t have to mean changing your diet drastically overnight. It can be slow, baby steps as long as you keep on heading in the right direction.
You can begin a ‘clean eating’ habit that is focused on choosing real, whole, and minimally processed foods that provide the maximum amount of nutrients. Vegetables and fruits are the go-to items in a healthy diet. They are packed with minerals, vitamins, fiber, and plant compounds that prevent cell damage and degeneration. Greens are also high in anti-inflammatory properties.
Exercise Daily
Our daily routine like doing physical activities outdoors or going to fitness centers has been disrupted by the pandemic. And though we have a lot of time while at home, the truth is, exercising is not on the top of our daily ‘to-do list. In case we have forgotten, exercising is one of the primary ways for us to stay healthy. Staying physically fit lowers down your risk of developing illnesses such as heart conditions and hypertension.
Aside from burning excess fat and calories, it also helps our mental function. Studies show that exercise increases our energy level and the serotonin or happy hormones that the brain produces. This leads to a less stressful and improved clarity of the mind. On top of that, exercising also distracts you from the things that cause anxiety. It doesn’t just make you happy, it also helps you to steer your thoughts into a more positive and productive activity.
Limit Your Intake of Chemicals
Some medicines that we take have negative side effects on our bodies most especially on the liver. The excessive intake of chemicals used in most drugs can put you at risk of toxic hepatitis and liver damage. This is because the liver’s main function is to filter everything that goes inside our bodies. If there is a high level of filtered chemicals, the toxins can cause liver inflammation.
One of the many ways that you can avoid this is to regularly drink freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juice. Studies show that fresh juices are packed with soluble fiber which is excellent in bacteria growth and your digestive health. Fresh juice can also help lower down cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar.
Going green doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop drinking medicines right away. If you are taking specific medications, it is important that you consult your physician first. Once you get a green signal, you can consult with a professional herbalist about your options on how you can switch to herbal or natural medicine.
Relax Your Mind
Your overall well-being includes your mental health. Being surround by so much death and uncertainty can cause a mental and emotional strain even to the most stable person. If you are having a hard time doing the things that you normally enjoy or feel a high level of stress and anxiety, it means that you need to pause for a while and relax your mind.
You can be silent for a few minutes and just clear your head or spend a few minutes away from your gadget as you prepare to sleep. Yoga is also a good way to relax your mind and soul. It is a combination of physical poses mixed with breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation.
If there is one important thing that this pandemic taught us, it is that we should never, ever take our health for granted. Aside from being our greatest wealth, a strong body is also our best advantage in this fight against COVID-19.
