What’s Compromising Your Physical and Mental Health?

We can’t be at our best if our physical or mental health isn’t as robust and healthy as it could or should be. While there are simply times when our health takes a blow, or we get sick, there are cases when we don’t help ourselves. There are plenty of things we can do to push our health in the right direction. Often, simply being aware of the things that can compromise our health is all we need. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the things that may compromise your overall health, and also offer advice on how you can overcome them.

Bad Habits

We’ve all got bad habits. It’s just that some people’s bad habits are more damaging than others. If you’re drinking too much alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or relying on takeout food for your sustenance more than you should, then you’ll have a habit that needs a bit of work, since they’ll all impact your health (not to mention your bank balance). Fortunately, these are problems than many before you have battled, so there’s plenty of advice and help available to help you put them behind you.

Sitting Down

All generations look back at previous generations and ask “why did they think that was a good idea?!” For us, we tend to look back at the sheer number of smokers in days gone by and wonder how the habit came to be so common. So what will future generations say about us? Most likely that we sat down so much. There are many people that drive to work, sit down at a desk all day, and then return home to sit on the couch. That’s way too much sitting, and it could have serious long-term implications for your health. If this situation sounds familiar to you, then look at building in some more movement into your day, such as by cycling to work, going for lunch walks, or using a standing desk.

Minimal Exercise

You don’t need us to tell you that exercise is good for your health. Everyone knows it! But of course, the desire to get up off the couch and get into the gym is not always as strong as it needs to be. But good news: studies have shown that even minimal amounts of exercise can have a positive effect on your overall health. So while it’s great if you want to spend a fair amount of time in the gym, it’s not essential. A brisk thirty-minute walk will push you in the right direction. If you really can’t handle doing exercise just for the sake of moving, then look at picking up a hobby that is both active and fun — it’ll make everything a lot more straightforward.

Too Much City Time

There’s much to love about spending time in the city, but there is such a thing as too much time. You’ll have decided to live in the city for the work and social advantages, but don’t forget that nature also exists! And it can do a lot for you, both in terms of your physical and mental health. If you’ve been spending all your time in a concrete jungle, then look at taking a trip into the great outdoors. You might be surprised at how good you feel afterward, especially since studies have shown that spending just two hours in nature can significantly reduce the effects of depression and anxiety.

Stress Overload

Of course, it’s not as if you’ll be able to visit nature every time you feel a little bit stressed. That’s not feasible. As such, it’s important that you’re finding ways to de-stress throughout the day. After all, stress is one of those things that can severely impact our quality of life, and even on our physical health, if it’s not addressed. Since stress is so common, we’ve gotten pretty good at figuring out what can reduce it. Meditation, yoga, talking with friends, and switching off your tech will all help. 

Under the Radar Problems

There are some health problems that present themselves in obvious ways. If you have a gout attack, then you’ll know it — there won’t be much mystery there. However, there are some health matters that are a little more subtle. These are the ones that can fly under the radar. If you’re not feeling as healthy as you could be, then you could have an allergy. Over half of Americans only have limited knowledge about allergies! If you suspect that it could be the source of your health issues, then look at talking to an allergist. They’ll help to uncover your allergies — you’ll feel much better once you know what foods/substances you should avoid! 

What You Eat

And talking of food: are you eating as well as you could be? Even people that think they eat well actually don’t, because they make a few fundamental mistakes, such as eating foods that sound healthy but which actually aren’t. If it’s been some time since you reviewed your diet, perhaps now is the time. Eating fresh, healthy meals is one of the simplest things you can do for your health — and the tastiest! 

Staying In Comfort Zone 

We tend to have a baseline for our health that we don’t go under. However, what if instead of measuring our health against how bad it could be, why don’t we measure it against how good it could be? To do this, you’ll need to challenge your current approach to health. The world is full of people who have stepped outside their comfort zone to improve their health, and there’s much to learn! It could be anything, such as incorporating yoga into your routine, starting to lift weights, or simply moving more. Instead of seeing your health as something that you have to reluctantly stay on top of, you can switch your thinking and make the process fun.

You will have taken control, and that’s about the best thing that we all can do for our health.