Small Changes That Will Make A Big Difference To Your Health

Many of us are on a mission to champion health and wellbeing in 2021. As the pandemic continues to dominate the headlines, it has never been more important to try and reduce the risk of health issues and boost wellbeing. In this guide, we’ll discuss small changes that can make a big difference. 

Increasing activity levels

Inactivity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer and it can also impact mental health. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, or you’re keen to do more exercise, making small changes to your daily or weekly routine will have a positive influence on physical and mental health. Set yourself a target and try to increase your fitness and strength gradually. Whether you try and walk 5,000 steps a day, you go running three times a week, you cycle 50 miles a week or you start doing a yoga session every other day, you should notice a positive difference almost immediately. Have fun with exercise, try new activities and get friends and family involved. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a night on the couch with a movie, but try to be more active when you have free time. You can use your weekends and evenings to go for a bike ride, to go hiking or walking or to burn off energy playing tennis, soccer, football or golf. Choose activities that you enjoy. You don’t have to spend your life in the gym to get fit. From dancing and spinning to Pilates and rock climbing, there are myriad ways to increase your activity levels. 

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Prioritizing dental health

Dental health is often overlooked, but it plays an integral role in lowering the risk of general health problems. Ensure you have a daily oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing every morning and evening and flossing. Brush for at least two minutes each time, taking care to cover every surface of each tooth and to clean the tongue. Floss daily to remove bacteria and food debris from the gaps between the teeth and the gum line. It’s also important to see a dentist every 6-12 months for a routine check and to seek advice if you develop symptoms of gum disease, oral infections or decay. Call your dentist if you experience severe pain, your gums are swollen or sore or you notice blood when you brush. To protect your teeth and gums, it’s also beneficial to watch what you eat and to avoid snacking between meals. Keep an eye on your sugar intake and stick to main meals. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth produce acids, which attack the tooth enamel. If you eat throughout the day, your teeth will not have a chance to recover and remineralize. Take the time to put your dental health first and look into oral solutions like Dental Implants in Naples.

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Staying hydrated

Do you ever feel sluggish, does your skin look dry or dull, or are you prone to headaches? Dehydration causes a diverse range of symptoms and it can make you lethargic and vulnerable to aches and pains. Staying hydrated is essential for good health. Aim to consume at least 2 liters of water per day. Carry a flask or a bottle with you if you’re out and about and set yourself a daily target. If it’s hot outside, or you’re sweating as a result of exercise, increase your fluid intake. 

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Adapting your sleep routine

Do you get enough sleep? If the answer to this question is no, one of the best ploys to boost sleep quality is to adjust your routine. If you fall asleep while you’re watching TV, or you go to bed at 10 pm one night and 2 am the next, it’s beneficial to try and reset your body clock. Start going to bed at the same time every night and set your alarm for the same time each morning. You should notice that you start to feel tired as your new bedtime approaches and that you feel more alert and refreshed when you wake up. It’s also important to give yourself time to relax and unwind in the evenings before you go to bed and to avoid eating late at night or drinking caffeinated drinks. Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet and resist the temptation to check emails or scroll through social feeds when you get into bed. 

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Good health is something that should never be taken for granted. If you’re keen to put your health first and boost physical and mental wellbeing in 2021, you don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle and implement dramatic adjustments. These small changes will make a big difference.