5 Ways better health can lead to a better quality of life

Life is short, so live it well. The best way to fulfill this promise is by protecting your health. After all, you must be in tiptop shape holistically to achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

Different people take different approaches regarding fitness and self-care. However, what most people do not realize is that health comprises a myriad of many things, which are all interconnected. Total wellbeing is a function of four factors—physical, emotional and mental, financial, and social—that work together. The key is to achieve balance where no one factor is left out. For example, a poor mental disposition can take a toll on your physical wellbeing. Meanwhile, a less-than-stellar physical aspect, like improper hygiene, can affect your social wellbeing. Not taking care of your financial wellbeing, on the other hand, can put a toll on your body. It’s all connected.

While this may seem complicated, taking care of one aspect of health is the first step to realizing a more comprehensive health goal . Here are five universal guiding principles to better health.

1. Aim for a healthy diet.

A healthy diet provides all the nutrition your body needs to function well. It entails eating the correct portions of carbs, fats, fiber, minerals, proteins, vitamins, and water. You need to consume at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day, preferably not processed.

Water is also a crucial part of a healthy diet. It helps regulate body temperature, flushes out toxins, and aids the digestive system. Do away with the soft drinks and juices. These will make you thirstier since they are full of sugar which has separate consequences. The age-old tip is that you must drink eight glasses of water daily. However, remember that water is available from other sources, such as fruits and vegetables. Either way, too much water drinking can't hurt.

2. Start exercising.

No matter what activity you prefer doing – whether it’s walking, jogging, boxing, sports, and the like – what matters is that you be active. Do activities that you enjoy and which fit your current state of fitness. It means you should challenge your body but not overwork it or push it beyond the extremes.

Aim for at least 30 mins of physical activity during the day. According to a 2016 study in Lancet Journal, even an hour of brisk walking can offset the harmful effects of sitting all day. The lack of physical activity, compounded by excessive sitting, proffers a higher risk of heart disease.

No matter how busy you are, try to integrate something physical into your daily routine.

3. Be productive at work.

Yes, work is considered a principle of good health. Working offers the opportunity for further development. Whether at school or at the office, you are training your mind and honing your skills. Here, you can feel engaged, challenged, and stimulated. Work is beneficial for both your mind and emotional wellbeing. According to the Academy of Management Journal, working offers a channel for pride (in healthy amounts) and a sense of effectiveness and purpose.

Take note, however, that too much work can be counterproductive. It can cause stress, anxiety, and it can lead you to a spiral. Make sure to practice a work-life balance.

4. Don't forget to rest.

As we were saying, balance is essential. Going hand-in-hand with work is the principle of rest. Give your body the time to recuperate from the day’s activities. If you need to take a nap and file a day of leave to give your body time to rest, then do so. Also, mind the required hours of quality sleep (around 6 to eight every night) and learn to unplug from your digital devices.

The 2019 study, "The Extraordinary Importance of Sleep," underscores the physical, emotional, and mental advantages of sleep. It gives you enough energy to go through the day and enhances your mood and spirits.

5. Employ a positive mindset.

Don't overlook the other aspects of health. Your mental and emotional wellbeing needs an equal amount of attention when you wish to work on your overall health. Positive thoughts and emotions have a direct effect on your body so be mindful of what you say to yourself and the messages you receive from others. Focus on what is good.

By following these five guiding principles, you can avoid many of life’s stresses and illnesses. However, while you can do your best to prevent sickness, you must be prepared to address them at any time.

Offering financial peace of mind and security, insurance in this regard becomes a means to help you achieve better wellbeing. The ideal critical illness insurance plan like FWD Set for Health provides comprehensive insurance coverage against major and minor critical illnesses.

FWD Life Insurance is taking things a step further by understanding that health goes beyond the physical. It offers a set of health plans that addresses various aspects of health. Want to know what your options are? Set up a financial checkup session with financial advisors. Sign up and be on you way to living your best life and experiencing the joy of wellbeing.