Looking to improve your emotional, mental, and physical well-being? You probably already know that exercise and avoiding junk food is good for you. What you may not know is that there are many other, more subtle lifestyle adjustments that can have just as much — or even more — of an impact as the classic tips that you’ll come across again and again.
If you’ve already got the basics of healthy living in place, then the following tips, which encompass some of the often forgotten or overlooked ways to enhance well-being, can help to take you to the next level.
Spend Time In Nature
Most of us live in urban environments, which means our connection to green spaces is pretty minimal.
But there are plenty of benefits to making an effort to spend more time in nature. Studies have shown that it can do wonders for stress levels, immune health, and keeping your blood pressure in check. What’s more, you don’t necessarily need to go into the wilderness to get those benefits; even spending 15 minutes in a green space near your home is enough to have an impact. For the best results, look at spending two hours per week in a green space, which has been shown to significantly improve psychological well-being and cognitive function.
Work With a Nutritionist
Following general healthy eating advice is better than following no advice at all. However, many people believe that, so long as they’re eating healthy foods, then they’re giving their body what it needs.
But everyone’s unique, and what your body needs will be specific to you. In addition, there are some goals — such as weight loss or managing chronic conditions — that require specific dietary plans that go beyond what simply eating healthy meals can provide. Working with dietary experts, such as professionals who offer nutritional counselling, can provide you with the tailored meal plans and nutrition education you need to reach your goals. Ultimately, with food a foundational component of overall well-being, it’s important to make sure that you’re eating the foods that are right for your specific needs, not everyone else’s.
Take a Digital Detox
The number of hours the average person spends staring at a screen has been increasing in recent years. Today, the average person spends more than six hours looking at a screen, and 25% of adults aged 18 – 29 spend between nine and twelve hours looking at their devices.
It’s easy to fall into the doomscrolling trap, but there’s a lot of value in taking a step back. Studies have shown that taking a digital detox, in which you stay away from screens, can provide a host of benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving your attention span, and enhancing sleep quality. You don’t have to commit to giving up your devices entirely. It’s more about being intentional with your use and occasionally taking a defined break. Even committing to not using your devices after a set time (such as after 7 pm) or taking a full break on Sundays can make a difference.
