Wellness is defined as the state of being in optimal health. There is a lot more to wellness than just being free of illness. The World Health Organization defines wellness as the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as the self-directed, conscious and evolving process of achieving one’s potential.
Wellness is important because it is one of the keys to living a higher quality life. It will affect every area of your life. It will also affect your actions and emotions. That is why it is important to take every step possible to maximize your wellness. There are several things that you can do in order to stay well.
Avoid Putting Toxic Things Into Your Body
It is impossible to achieve optimal wellness if you have toxins in your body. Alcohol is one of the main toxins that people today use. It is okay to have alcohol in moderation if your body can tolerate it. However, drinking alcohol in excess can damage your liver. The liver is responsible for filtering out toxins. Excessive alcohol intake can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and certain forms of cancer.
Cigarettes and drugs can also do a lot of damage to your body. Additionally, the foods that you eat may be toxic. That is why it is best for you to avoid processed foods as much as you can. One of the things that you can do to avoid processed food is to limit your intake of foods that come out of a package or a can. Eat as much fresh food as you can.
Regular exercise will strengthen your heart and muscles. You should make sure that you get a combination of cardiovascular exercise and weight training exercise. Not only will exercise help you achieve optimal wellness, but it will also help you look and feel your best.
The American Heart Association recommends that people get 40 minutes of aerobic exercise in at least three times a week. You will be able to reduce your blood pressure and keep your heart strong. You will also need to do strength training at least three days out of the week. Doing resistance training will help increase your muscle strength and boost metabolism.
Take Care of Your Emotional Wellness
It is just as important for you to take care of your emotional health as it is for you to care for your physical health. You can improve your emotional health by getting the proper amount of sleep. The average person needs seven to nine hours of sleep in order to function optimally. Sleep helps the body heal and restore itself it.
Meditating is another thing that you can do in order to improve your emotional health. It has been shown to alleviate anxiety and depression. Additionally, meditating can lower your blood pressure.
Lower Your Stress Level
Stress is something that we all have in our lives. However, you will need to make sure that you keep it under control. When your stress levels are high, your body’s cortisol levels will also be high. Cortisol can cause you to crave unhealthy foods. It can also cause you to develop fat around your stomach area.
Stress can also cause you to develop depression. There are several things that you can do in order to lower your stress. Spending time in nature is one of the things that you can do to reduce your stress level.
Find An Outlet
We live in a fast-paced society. Many people do not take the time to smell the roses. It is important for you to have an outlet that allows you to release your stress and decompress. Any activity that you enjoy and brings meaning to your life will help you improve your wellness.
Know Your Purpose
There is an old quote that says “Life is what you make it.” Studies have shown that people who have a purpose in life are healthier and happier. You may also be able to add years to your life by knowing your purpose and working hard to achieve it. You should find ways to fulfill the cause that is most important to you.