Spring has sprung. April 7 is World Health Day and we here at Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics thought we would take this opportunity to discuss the effect that our day-to-day life can have on our mind and body.
The unparalleled value of good health is celebrated on World Health Day. Spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), physical, mental, and emotional well-being is promoted and celebrated all over the world on this day and to get our minds thinking about ways to better our body and get the healthcare that we all deserve.
Spring is a great time to get outdoors and get active. It’s well known that exercise can lead to lowering stress and for your overall health, but regular exercise can also lead to making better life decisions and overall better mental health as well.
There are many ways that we can improve our overall health:
Number one is getting an adequate night of sleep. Let yourself get at least 7-8 hours of solid sleep per night. It may be tempting to hit the snooze button a few times, but by doing this you are actually confusing your mind and body, that in turn leaves you feeling sleepy and may affect your ability to focus at work or school.
What’s also very important in our day-to-day lives is physical activity. Try to set aside at least 30 minutes of your day to exercise — of any kind. Consider, a 60-minute workout is only 4% out of your day, so finding the time to go for a 30-minute walk, bike ride or even at-home workout should be pretty easy to do. This will also boost your energy and mood for the rest of the day.
Also crucial to living a healthy lifestyle is eating a well-balanced diet. The goal is to not obsess over every piece of food that you eat, but just making sure that you are being mindful of what goes into your body. Lean meats, leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables and foods with whole grains can keep your mind alert and body healthy.
Taking the time to relax and unwind after a busy day is also vital to your overall health. This could be just 5 minutes at a park clearing your mind in the fresh air, or taking a soothing bath, going to your favorite yoga class or picking up a good book to curl up with. It is important for our mental health to take a few minutes a day for ourselves and let our mind heal and recharge.
Being in a positive mood can and will rub off on those around you. It has been proven that by showing others kindness you can change their demeanor for the day and pass on this joy. So, when passing others in the hallway at work or the grocery store, stop, smile or say hello. You never know what people are going through in their own lives, so you may just turn their day around with simply a smile and greeting.
Staying up on your dental health is a huge priority when it comes to your overall health. Make sure that you see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. By brushing twice a day and flossing daily we reduce our risk of inflammation and gum disease, which has been proven to lead to a reduced chance of heart problems as well.
So, on World Health Day, and every day when possible, get outdoors and enjoy the fresh spring air for added health benefits. Help us here at Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics (waosmiles.com) by celebrating World Health Day with us and set the stage for healthy days to come.