Healthy Habits For Our Well-Being





March 27th, 2021. By Keria Tam '22 and Selina Rong '24




Though it has already been a year since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and many people have gotten used to the new normal, it is easy to get frustrated from feeling like we cannot control various aspects of our lives. At times like these, it is more important than ever to try our best to create and sustain healthy habits.







Maintain Healthy Eating Habits and Stay Hydrated


Getting nutrition in our bodies every day is important to carry out daily tasks and exercises. Food is fuel and provides energy for us. It keeps us focused, healthy, and plays a major effect on our moods. It’s important to supply our bodies with a sufficient amount of food or else multiple consequences can occur, such as fatigue and anemia. Your body cannot obtain vitamins that help our bodies grow and function properly. A lack of food also shortens the amount of minerals like iron the body needs to grow and make hormones. A healthy diet is very broad and can include many options. The benefits of a healthy diet include reducing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, and improving cholesterol levels. Keeping up with a healthy and balanced diet protects your health and lowers risks of heart disease and strokes. Lots of vegetables, fruits, protein, and especially water can be so beneficial to other parts of your body as well such as your skin. Whole grains are also great because they contain lots of fiber, protein, and B vitamins. Some good eating habits include maintaining three meals a day, incorporating veggies and fruits, and staying motivated. The purpose and goals of these habits lead to a healthy lifestyle and relationship with food, which helps keep our bodies in good health and away from diseases.



Stay Physically Active


Physical activity is one of the most important things we can incorporate into our daily routines to improve our health and quality of life. It can reduce the risk of developing diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Exercise can also relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to our tissues and helps the cardiovascular system work more efficiently. In this way, it can improve energy and endurance levels. Furthermore, it can help us fall asleep faster, deepen sleep, and feel more rested the next day. A multitude of studies has shown that regular physical activity increases life expectancy and reduces the risk of premature mortality. Without regular activity, our bodies gradually lose their ability to function properly. Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Some forms of exercise include walking, running, hiking, dancing, yoga, weight training, and much more. Also, make sure to get up and take stretch breaks throughout the day!



Having a Good Sleep Schedule


Keeping a regular sleep schedule is an often neglected but vital component of people’s overall health and welfare. It is as important as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. Sleep boosts our immune function, improves focus, controls our mood, and can help us destress. It enables the body to repair itself and get ready for another day. Our quality of rest has a big influence on how on daily routines; when we have more energy throughout, we are much more productive in comparison to times when we are exhausted. Poor sleep on a daily basis puts us at risk for serious medical conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Some things we can do to improve our sleep schedules include going to bed around the same time each night, avoid sleeping in too much, and reduce blue light exposure right before bed.



Managing Mental Health


Keeping a good mental health is vital because it leads to our actions, feelings, and thoughts. It plays a role in our physical health as well because mental health relates to healthy choices and lifestyle. It’s important to talk about your feelings with a close friend or relative, eating enough, managing stress, connecting with friends and family, and getting rest and breaks. Making time for yourself for peace and quiet is also good for your mental health.



Summary


Though it has already been a year since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and many people have gotten used to the new normal, it is easy to get frustrated from feeling like we cannot control various aspects of our lives. At times like these, it is more important than ever to try our best to create and sustain healthy habits. This article goes into several beneficial well-being tips that can improve our day-to-day routines.