We are always looking for ways to improve our health—trying this diet or that workout, but perhaps we're overlooking the most important factor: our bodies.
Our bodies are constantly working hard to create and maintain our health, whether we realize it or not.
So how can we work WITH our bodies to create the best possible health? It's actually simpler than you might think!
Read on to find out more.
Defining Health
When it comes to health, there are a lot of different ways to skin a cat, so to speak.
There are a variety of different aspects of health.
Physical health, mental health, emotional health, spiritual health, social health... the list goes on.
And that's just naming a few of the more commonly discussed types of health.
But what does "health" actually mean? The World Health Organization defines it as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease."
In other words, being healthy is about more than just being physically fit; it's also about having a positive outlook on life and feeling connected to others.
In the context of physical health, though, there is one crucial thing to remember - your body does its best to take care of it!
The Body As A Community
Your body is made up of trillions of cells, all working together to keep you alive and healthy.
Each type of cell has a specific job to do, and they all work together in harmony to keep your body functioning properly.
For example, your skin cells work to protect you from harmful bacteria and UV rays, while your blood cells transport oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body.
Your immune cells help to fight off infections, and your brain cells store information and help you to think and feel.
And the best part? These cells work towards harmony, without the need for us to actively engage in the process.
You don't think about digesting. You just eat.
You don't think about beating your heart.
You don't think about... thinking.
You don't think about your blood pressure.
It just... Happens.
With all of this in mind, it is fair to say that we don't necessarily create health.
Our community of cells (body) does this, and all we have to do is... Support it.
So next time you look in the mirror, remember that you are literally made up of billions of tiny cells, all working together for a common goal - to keep you alive and healthy.
What You Can Do
Being the vigilant guardian of our good health is a full-time job, and our bodies are up for the task!
But, even the strongest of us can use a little help.
So, what are the three best things we can do to support our health?
Let’s find out!
#1 Eat Well!
What is the best way to maintain good health? It is a simple question with a very complex answer.
Of course, there are many factors that contribute to our overall health, but one of the most important is proper nutrition.
Just as our bodies need the right fuel to run efficiently, we also need the right nutrients to function optimally.
Without them, we are more susceptible to disease and illness. That is why it is so important to make sure that we are getting all the nutrients we need from the food we eat.
By eating a balanced diet and including a variety of nutrient-rich foods, we can help our bodies stay strong and healthy.
Here are our top 4 nutrient-dense foods to include in your nutrition regularly!
- Eggs (The king of foods!)
- Grass-fed beef (Meat & organs)
- Salmon (Wonderful source of fat!)
- Avocados (Another great fat source)
- Kiwi fruit (Micronutrient powerhouse)
#2 Sleep Well
At number two, we have sleep.
Sleep is essential for good physical and mental health. It helps to improve concentration, memory, and mood.
It reduces stress and boosts immunity.
With this in mind, it is fair to say that getting enough sleep is crucial for optimal health.
Unfortunately, many of us do not get enough sleep.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but most of us only get 4-6 hours.
The good news is that there are things we can do to get better sleep.
We can establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
On top of that, for all you insomniacs out there, breathwork and meditation before bed are some of the best ways to fall asleep quickly
By making some simple changes, we can make sure we get the restful sleep our bodies need to do what they excel at - keeping us healthy!
#3 Avoid Toxic Habits
Many of us go through life searching for the elusive secret to health.
We try fad diets, the latest workout trends, and a host of other supposed solutions in our quest for well-being.
However, there may be a simpler answer than we realize. Instead of asking what we should do to stay healthy, perhaps we should be asking what we should not do.
After all, avoiding unhealthy habits is often the best way to maintain our health.
Drinking and smoking are two of the most damaging activities that people can engage in, yet many people continue to do them daily while still searching for the next best thing to boost their health...
Weird, right?
If we want to achieve true health, we need to focus on avoiding these toxic habits besides building a rock-solid base of constructive habits.
And so, the next time you're wondering how to stay healthy, remember that the answer may be as simple as avoiding some unhealthy habits.
Final Thoughts
We all want to be healthy, but many of us don't realize that we are not completely in charge of our health.
The body is.
And all we have to do... is create an environment where your body can fulfill its main quest.
To keep you alive and healthy.