There’s no doubt about it, your health is the greatest wealth you will ever have. More often than not, it is the simple things you do or fail to do that determine how healthy you are. Unbeknownst to many, there’s no rocket science in leading a healthy lifestyle. Some of the most important health determinants include sleep quality, weight management, and general self-awareness. Maybe you’ve tried some of them, but these things can make a huge difference in your health this year and many more years to come. Well, let’s get to it already. Here are 5 ways to better your health.

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  1. Rest More and Sleep Better

In the world of today where there’s always more to achieve, most of us tend to underestimate the importance of sleep in our health. Those two or three hours you forego to burn the midnight oil can make a huge difference. During sleep, the body goes into recuperating mode. It is then that new cells are formed, toxic substances removed, and the body tissues re-energized in preparation for the next day. This is the primary reason you wake up more energetic than you went to bed the previous night. The doctor recommends taking at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night. It’s not only good for your physical health, it also improves your mental health, immunity, and many other biochemical processes of the body. In case you’re having trouble sleeping, you may want to seek advice from a professional. Sometimes bouts of insomnia can be brought about by poor dietary choices, noise, an uncomfortable bed, stress, and much more.

  1. Start Eating Healthier

Diet should actually be number one on your list of ways to better your health. What you eat has a huge impact on your health as much as your body weight. This year, try your best to cut back on junk and binge eating. Instead, go greener, take smoothies, maximize on nuts and seek healthy nutrients from white meat such as fish (tuna, herring etc). Get the right amount of healthy protein, vitamins, fiber, calories, and minerals each day. Also, maximize you nutritional value by staying hydrated as much as you can. About 6 -10 glasses of water each day will do.

  1. Exercise More

The lack of exercise and poor weight management is associated with a myriad of health problems. This includes a higher risk of suffering from lifestyle diseases at some point in life. No matter how crazy your schedule may seem, you may not be productive for long if you’re unhealthy. It’s important to create time for exercise, even if it means a few minutes of jogging, walking, or climbing the stairs a few days a week. It’s good for your weight, the heart, your core muscles and your general body physique too.

  1. Take a Health Exam

If you’ve been neglecting the doctor’s office for health checks, it’s time you got back on track. This is because some diseases such as cancer, HBP, and high cholesterol can go unnoticed for months, probably years during their early stages. Most of these can be cured when detected early, making it important to get screened as regularly as you can each year.

  1. Cut Down On Alcohol

If you smoke, STOP, it does you no good! If you take alcohol, cutting back to healthier amounts will go a long way in improving your health. Including dependence, alcohol is associated with a myriad of health problems. And especially when taken for long, higher amounts of alcohol can be toxic to internal organs such as the heart, blood vessels, liver, kidney, and brain. Addiction is also a common problem, in which the patient has to seek professional detox from alcohol help.  

The above are just a few ways you can improve your health this year. It may not be a walk in the park but it only takes a decision, discipline, and commitment.