As we get older, we tend to become more concerned about the well-being of our bodies. But it’s also true that none of us are pure experts in our bodies and how they operate. Unfortunately, we aren’t born with a full manual of how to live correctly and never make a physical mistake or become ill, although that would be useful (if unsettling).
For this reason, it’s important to follow best practices hard-won and understood from official medical channels. It’s also true that certain health approaches can apply to many of us near-universally, although it’s always essential to run any change to your lifestyle by your doctor so they can approve of your efforts.
In the hustle and bustle of life, self-care is rarely our first and foremost priority, especially if we have a family and a job to take care of. With that in mind, please consider some of the following advice:
Under Or Over-Hydrating
When we tend to think of hydration issues leading to health problems, we usually assume someone isn’t drinking enough water. This can lead to a whole host of issues and can be especially dangerous if you’re failing to hydrate correctly. But did you know that overhydration can also be a problem? According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal amount is “About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.” A little over or under that is just fine.
Posture & Mobility Issues
It’s easy to fall into bad posture habits especially if you spend many hours at the desk or laptop (and let’s face it, that’s most of us). For this reason, learning to pull your soldiers back, push your chest out a little, and quit slouching is helpful. Mobility or flexibility issues can also be assisted by occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or the best chiropractor according to specific advice and needs. If you notice bad habits (like forward head syndrome), you can work on fixing them.
Avoiding Rest
Rest can seem like laziness to some people, and many people are so used to being productive and spinning the plates of life that laying on the sofa can seem like a waste of time. But your body needs to rest from time to time. Sometimes, a comfortable evening on the sofa, a lie-in, a meditative session, or a soak in the bath can be just what your body needs to relax and repair. If you can’t remember the last time you rested while awake, give yourself a few regular sessions for doing so.
Screen Time & UV Light
Many screens give off UV light. This means that our natural circadian rhythm is interrupted a little, as our bodies assume we’re seeing the sun in the daylight. Some software, like iOS and Windows, comes with night light options that allow amber light to show and offset this effect in the evening. But it’s also true that televisions, tablets, and more may not have this fear. As such, limiting screen time in the late evenings can be healthy, and may be the best health decision you’ve made as of late.
With this advice, we hope you can avoid neglecting those essential health practices.