Weaving Healthful Strategies into Your Daily Life by Jennifer McGregor

         

Many of the best ideas for practical, head-to-toe health are also among the most fundamental to our happiness and well-being. As such, they’re ideal strategies for helping you lead an active and rewarding life, practices that can be incorporated into your daily routine. Take a look at these basic but important building blocks for a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Healthy indoor air

It’s a remarkable fact but according to the EPA, the air we breathe in our own homes is actually less healthy than the air outdoors. That’s a serious problem because so much of our lives are spent indoors. Healthy indoor air quality is essential to your respiratory system and impacts many other aspects of your overall health…
Use air filters to keep your breathing air clean. MERV 8 filters eliminate 90 percent of pollutants like pollen, dust, mold and dander. If you go with the MERV 11 or 13 filter, you can expect to eliminate even more harmful particles from your environment. It’s also worthwhile to add an air purifier (you can find one for under $100), particularly if you have pets.

Forgo the fads

There are plenty of fad diets these days that promise weight loss on your terms, as though you could expect to achieve the weight you want eating your favorite foods. The fact is, a proper diet and effective weight management aren’t sure things, and you can’t achieve your personal goals overnight. Listen to your common sense and steer away from diets that promise you can enjoy pizza, doughnuts and hamburgers and still lose 30 pounds. Balance is what matters when it comes to diet, and that means eating a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, protein, whole grains and healthy fats. Eating the right foods in the right proportion should be the cornerstone of a health regimen that you practice every day.

Pay attention to healthcare

Don’t let a busy schedule get in the way of regular check-ups with your doctor and dentist. Maximize your insurance coverage to make sure you get the care you need – this is especially important if you’re a senior. As a Medicare enrollee, make sure you’re getting the most from your coverage, but be aware that you may need alternative coverage through a plan like Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plan. An Advantage plan will cover you for dental and vision care and you’ll have access to fitness facilities nationwide. No matter your age, making the most of your health insurance is an essential part to overall wellness, and you should get the most out of what you’re paying for.

Chill out with a significant other

We all need time to chill out and get some much-needed rest and relaxation. But it seems the busier and more successful you get, the harder it can be to make this happen. Make time to chill with a significant other, whether that’s a spouse, life partner or best friend. Having fun with someone you care deeply about can lead to a lifetime of happy memories, strengthen a relationship that may not get enough attention, and leave you feeling renewed and revitalized. Sometimes, a quick weekend getaway doing nothing but relaxing and just enjoying each other’s company can make a tremendous difference in your outlook on life … and the way you see yourself.

Organize your home and stuff

Sometimes, there are things that weigh on your mind you can’t quite put your finger on even when it’s all around you. Living in a disorganized mess overrun with clutter has a subtle, wearing effect on your psyche that can cause anxiety and even depression. Decluttering your life and getting organized at home and at work can help restore motivation and give you the kind of clean start you need to strengthen your sense of purpose. So make it a goal to get rid of anything you haven’t used within the past six months and to put everything else in its proper place. Cap off your decluttering efforts by bringing in a maid service to give your home a thorough cleaning. In Naples, this will likely run you $108 – $175, but it’s worth the one-time cost to get a fresh start.

One of the very best ways to establish a healthful lifestyle is to find ways to weave healthful practices into the fabric of your everyday life. Discuss healthy dietary plans with your doctor and take steps to ensure your indoor air quality is the best it can be. And never underestimate the need for downtime and peaceful, organized home.

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