It’s fair to say that we’d all like to prevent health problems, rather than treat them after they occur. Luckily, there are many habits that you can adopt to protect and maintain your health over the course of a lifetime. 

Manage Stress

In the short term, stress can impact your physical health by causing headaches, disrupted sleep, and upset stomach. But, over a prolonged period, stress has been linked to a host of health conditions including high blood pressure, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. 

With this in mind, managing stress can have a large, positive impact on your long-term health. Examples of effective stress management techniques include meditation, deep breathing, exercise, and counseling. 

Optimize Your Sleep Schedule

Prioritizing high-quality sleep can help you live a longer, healthier life. While you sleep, your body has essential time to reset and recover, allowing various bodily systems to function properly. 

Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Maintaining a consistent sleep cycle (going to bed and waking up at the same time each day) can help ensure that you receive enough high-quality sleep. 

Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

The body needs a wide variety of nutrients for optimal health. Sticking to a vibrant diet containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meat can help protect your long-term health. Additionally, undergoing food allergy and sensitivity testing can help ensure that you’re not experiencing adverse symptoms from specific foods. 

Remain Physically Active

Consistent physical activity is crucial to both your physical and mental health. Regular exercise helps with:

• Weight management
• Stress management
• Anxiety and depression prevention
• Improved sleep quality
• Increased libido
• Improved bone and muscle health
• Decreased risk of chronic conditions including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and arthritis

The team at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine is committed to your long-term health. To learn more about how you can improve your ongoing wellness, schedule an appointment at our clinic today.