Let's define exactly, what we mean by health.
So first of all we think it would be best to disclaim that if you're here for a quick few tips on how to get a 6 pack then you should just click away. Healthy is a broad term, it can be used for both physical and mental avenues.
To be healthy, in our opinion, is to be have both mental and physical well being, and what that means is a combination and balance of both. According to WHO "Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community."
Physical well-being involves pursuing a healthful lifestyle to decrease the risk of disease.
Maintaining physical fitness, for example, can protect and develop the endurance of a person's breathing and heart function, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition
So how can we become more mentally and physically healthier?
1 - Walk
It sounds so cliche, doesn't it?
To just get up and go for a walk might sounds boring and much less 'fun' than binge-watching the latest Netflix series to many, many people. But getting up and going for a quick 30 min walk around your locality, or better yet driving to a scenic route and following a trail will do absolute WONDERS for both your mental clarity and physical well being.
You will have your own space and time, outdoors, in fresh air - not confined in 4 walls to recollect your thoughts.
Enjoy the nature, plan your day if your walk is in the morning, rejuvenate yourself and we PROMISE, when you arrive back home and have had your shower you will be:
Happier
More energetic
Ready tackle the rest of the day
Planning your next walk/hike
Going for a walk will get you moving, making sure your muscle and joints are nice and oiled up.
2 - Stretch & Work Out
Especially now with Covid and lockdowns, more than ever, people are sedentary with too much time sat on their back-sides.
Following a stretching routine daily will not only make you the next aspiring olympic gymnast in terms of flexibility but it will do wonders for your muscles after not moving for a long time.
You'll also get a deep sense of relaxation after,
Physical activity or exercise /working NOT CAN BUT WILL improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits.
Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.
3 - Nutrition
Pair the above tips, walks and stretching with a Burger King everyday, it would be safe to say that you will still feel mentally and physically unwell.
Now when we recommend nutrition as a tip, we don't mean telling you to go get shredded with some crazy fad diet. No, eat pizza, eat pasta, eat whatever you want, in HEALTHY moderation.
Focus on getting your veggies in, whole carbohydrates and lean proteins with healthy fats. You are what you eat, and if you want to be healthy, your eating habits should be healthy too.
4 - Work On Projects
Have you been looking at the old car or bike in the garage you've been wanting to restore for an uncanny amount of time? Now's your chance.
Have you been wanting to set up a quick online business for some secondary and passive income? Now's your chance.
Have you been intending to go out and work on your hobbies? Photography, writing, reading, yes now's your chance.
Have you been looking on spending more time with the kids and family? Now is definitely your chance.
Have you been - ok we'll stop.
Don't look at this time as a curse, but as an opportunity to go and do things you wish you had more time to do.
5 - Rest
Rest is as essential to our physical health as the water we drink and the air we breathe. Less stress.
Rest promotes mental health, boosts creativity, increases productivity, promotes well-being, reduces stress, improves mood, and strengthens relationships.
The amount of rest required depends on your individual needs. If you didn't sleep well, feel angry, or stressed, you may require more frequent breaks, especially if you've been following a stretching and working out routine as we addressed above.