When we think about our health and fitness, we often focus on our appearance or a specific number on a scale. However, there are several aspects of our health that are often overlooked or undervalued. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most commonly overlooked aspects of health and why they're important.
1. Mental Health
Mental health is often overlooked and stigmatized, but it is just as important as physical health. Poor mental health can lead to a range of physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and stomach problems. It can also impact our relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Taking care of our mental health involves seeking support when we need it, practicing self-care, and taking steps to manage stress.
2. Social Connections
Our social connections can have a significant impact on our health. Research has shown that social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. Having strong social connections can help us manage stress, increase our sense of purpose and belonging, and provide a support system when we need it. Building and maintaining social connections can be as simple as joining a club or group that interests you or reaching out to friends and family regularly.
3. Sleep
Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, yet it is often undervalued. Poor sleep can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. It can also impact our mood, cognitive function, and ability to manage stress. To improve the quality of your sleep, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoid screens and stimulating activities before bed.
4. Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for our health, yet many people overlook this aspect of their well-being. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and poor cognitive function. It can also impact our digestive system and overall physical performance. To stay hydrated, aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages.
5. Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can have numerous benefits for our physical and mental health, yet it is often overlooked. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help us manage stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve our overall well-being. To practice mindfulness, try incorporating activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.
6. Blood Work
Like I stated at the start of the blog, many of us are concerned about how we look or a number on a scale when we start our health and fitness journey. That being said, no matter how great we look, it's important that our bodies are functioning properly both inside and out.
Getting yearly blood work gives us great insight in regards to how our body is functioning from the inside.
I highly recommend before you start your health and fitness journey, get some blood work done so you have a baseline. From there, it's a good idea to get yearly blood work or even every 6 months.
In conclusion, there are several aspects of our health that are often overlooked or undervalued. Taking care of our mental health, building social connections, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, practicing mindfulness, and getting blood work are all essential for our overall well-being. By prioritizing these often-overlooked aspects of our health, we can improve our quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic conditions.
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