We’ve all heard it before…eat right, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and consume only moderate amounts of alcohol, etc. But studies have shown that while these basics certainly contribute to overall health, there are many other, perhaps lesser-known actions you can take to help achieve and maintain good health.
1. Take a screen test
Early detection is a key factor for good outcomes in a lot of health-related issues and one of the ways to detect a potential problem is with a screening test. These tests are usually scheduled for particular ages and intervals, and for individuals who may have an increased risk of particular health conditions. Examples of routine screening tests include:
- PAP
- Mammogram
- Prostate exam/PSA
- Colonoscopy
2. A little “me” time
A lot of people underestimate the benefits of self care. Self care can take many forms from taking advantage of your group benefits at work and enjoying regular therapeutic massages to meditating daily and ensuring that you allow for enough restorative sleep each night. Most people need between 7-9 hours of sleep, but this can vary. There are a lot of apps available that can help track your sleep so you can better understand what is optimal for you.
3. Spend some time with the birds and the bees
Many studies have shown that spending time in nature is beneficial to our overall wellbeing. According to scientists, such as public health researchers, Stamatakis and Mitchell, “Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, but it also contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.” 1
4. Become a butterfly
A social butterfly, that is. There is a clear link between strong social ties and a longer life.2 While the reason why is still being studied, there doesn’t appear to be a downside to making, and keeping, social relationships whether that be with family or friends. Your social circle is there to support you. If you need help, ask. You’ll often find that your friends, family, and community are quite willing to help when they become aware of the need.
5. And of course…
It is important to manage stress. This can be helped by taking a close look at what, exactly, is causing your stress and then taking control, or taking action, to lessen those factors. For example, are you concerned about having enough money for your retirement? One way to feel more in control of your retirement is to talk to a financial professional. They can help put a plan in place to relive that stress by showing you what is possible and how to get there.
While some factors that affect our daily life are not within our control, a lot of what contributes to a long and healthy life is. By identifying these factors and taking action, you can help contribute to your overall health and happiness.
Notes
- Louise Delagran, "How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing?," University of Minnesota, accessed September 24, 2024, https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing.
- Yang Claire Yang et al., "Social relationships and physiological determinants of longevity across the human life span," PubMed Central, January 19, 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4725506/.
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