7 easy tips to ensure that you live a healthy life

Does the Juggler in the circus remind you of somebody, maybe your mother, your sister, or—gasp!—perhaps even you?

But unlike the juggler who tries to keep all the balls in the air during the duration of the show, you juggle so many responsibilities every single day of your life. You look after your kids, your home, and your family without compromising on their care.

Of course, all this can—and probably does—leave a strain on your health.

As International Women’s Day approaches, why not make a pledge for good health by making ourselves a priority?

Women experience a number of complex changes in their bodies over the years and need to be replenished with nutrients and care.

Here are 7 easy ways I follow to enjoy good health and wellness because even though they look simplistic and obvious (that’s why I call them easy), we do tend to forget to show ourselves some self-love.

7 easy tips to ensure a healthy life

Get enough sleep

I always used to be that person who got her eight solid hours of zzz. However, over the last few months, I’ve been cheating on myself. To be healthy, adequate sleep is essential and should be ideally between 7 and 9 hours per night. When you get enough sleep, it keeps you awake and alert during the day. It keeps you from relying on caffeine and sugar-loaded energy drinks to keep you going.

Sleep also helps you detox and heal your body and mind and of course, keeps you from getting those dark circles around your eyes.  I emphasize the importance of sleep because if you are diabetic like me, a lack of sleep is the best way to mess up blood glucose levels. And good luck with that.

Eat healthily

A healthy balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, protein, fruits, vegetables, and fat in the right proportions with all the nutrients your body requires is essential for your good health. Get your carbs from whole grains, protein from lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes. Include at least 6 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day. Fat is necessary to keep your system functioning smoothly.

Include fish oil, cold-pressed oils, olive oil, and coconut oil, which are healthy fats, in your diet.  If you are over 30 or have children, you will also probably need calcium supplements as the body tends to lose calcium post-childbirth and with aging. Check with your doc about this. I do not recommend self-medication.

Increase Water Intake

Considering that our body is composed of 75% water, staying hydrated is crucial to help you get through the day. Try drinking 7 to 8 glasses of water each day. It re-energizes you and keeps you alert. Not drinking enough fresh water can lead to acne, headaches, and severe dehydration. And dry skin and other awful health issues. Ensure that the water you consume is safe.

Invest in a quality water purifier from brands like Kent. These days you can conveniently shop and buy water filters online at great prices. Compare features, prices and make an informed choice.

Get regular health checks

You know what they say. Prevention is better than cure. Get yourself checked by your gynecologist regularly. If there is medication, take it diligently. Undergo cancer screenings annually. Get blood tests done on a regular basis to keep a tab on the vital parameters of the body like sugar and cholesterol levels. Regular health checks will keep you in good health and spot any problem in the early stages, keeping life-threatening diseases at bay.

Exercise

Exercise every day, even if it is just half an hour. Physical activity helps you look better, feel better. Research shows that our body releases endorphins, also known as happy hormones when we are physically active.

Walking is great exercise. If possible, walk to work. If you can’t make the whole distance, try parking a little away from your workplace or wherever you are going, and walk the rest of the way. Or if, like me, you don’t have a car, take the bus, get off a couple of stops earlier and walk the remaining distance.

Do something you love

Do something fun. I know you keep meaning to, someday. As far as I know, “someday” is not a day of the week. Play with your pet, go swimming, or jump on a trampoline, read, play chess, spend time coloring pages. Paint. Sketch. Try some DIY. Or do my favorite thing: play with kids. They keep you active and you don’t even realize how much you move! Doing things you love keeps you in a good mood. If you have a bad day at work, work off the stress with activity.

Hang out with friends

Best thing ever. Nothing compares to spending time with your BFFs and enjoying a cup of coffee together. There’s research to prove that friends enrich your life and improve your health and keep you happy.

And of course, laugh, smile.

You deserve to be healthy and happy.

And yes, please reward yourself for being good to yourself.

So. Will you take the pledge with me to lead a healthy life?

Lovely featured image from Shutterstock