5 Simple, Everyday Ways to Reduce Stress and Improve Health
We all have our own bad habits, whether that means giving into cravings for cigarettes, spending too much time on social media, binge eating, or excessively drinking alcohol. As such, it’s no wonder why getting healthy can often seem like a daunting task. How can you overcome your bad habits? Luckily, the path to lasting health and wellness starts by making small, achievable changes. Through everyday health choices like self-care, stress reduction, and physical activity, you can build a healthier, happier life.
Here are five ways you can work total body wellness into your routine starting today.
Get Some ‘Me’ Time
If you’ve felt stressed out by work or other responsibilities lately, it might be time for a proper self-care day. Although self-care can take the form of massages, visiting a holistic day spa, or taking a luxurious weekend getaway, there are ways to treat yourself even when your time and budget are tight; for example, treating yourself to an at-home spa day is an affordable, relaxing option. Try lighting some candles, preparing a homemade face mask, playing soft music, and reading your favorite novel.
With some shea butter and your favorite essential oils, you can craft homemade skin care products too. You (or your significant other) could give yourself a DIY massage using warm washcloths or heated massage stones with aromatherapy. For the ultimate in relaxation, combine these methods with a cup of chamomile tea to help soothe yourself to sleep.
Practice Dental Hygiene
Because dental hygiene impacts your immune system and cardiovascular system, maintaining oral health is essential. Healthy teeth and gums start with daily brushing and flossing habits. You should also visit your dentist twice yearly for checkups and cleanings. If you don’t have a regular dentist or want to find a dentist, using an online dentist locator makes the process easier. Search for dentists in your area who have high reviews and accept your dental insurance.
Treat Aches and Pains
When doctors can’t find a condition that might be causing chronic pain, they often treat pain symptoms with medication. However, many prescription medications have potentially dangerous side effects, including addiction. Luckily, there are plenty of medication-free ways to treat and prevent pain — acupuncture, chiropractic care, essential oils, yoga, massage, CBD oil, and physical therapy are just a few options.
When choosing a pain treatment, start by understanding your insurance coverage. Although many people use acupuncture or chiropractic care to improve their overall wellness, for example, these services aren’t always covered under health insurance plans. Medicare doesn’t cover holistic therapies like acupuncture, but some Medicare Advantage plans like those offered from Cigna-HealthSpring do provide access to wellness programs and physical therapy, which can be beneficial for chronic pain and discomfort. Contact your health insurance provider before scheduling an appointment to make sure your visit will be covered.
Try Yoga
Yoga is a low-impact exercise with many benefits such as increased flexibility, improved posture, and enhanced mood to name a few. It can be done at home or in a studio using a cushioned yoga mat. It is best to take some classes with a yoga teacher for help mastering the moves. A teacher can also help you modify poses if necessary. Once you learn the basics you can practice indoors or outdoors, alone or with friends. You might consider attending a yoga retreat for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Get a Massage
Massage therapy is a nice complement to any of the above treatments. While massages are certainly relaxing, they’re also good for our physical and mental health. The Mayo Clinic recommends massage for treating anxiety, digestive issues, chronic pain, and sports injuries. Whether you pay a professional masseuse or give yourself a DIY foot rub, a massage could be just what the doctor ordered.
Although it might seem daunting at first, you can take control of your health by implementing some changes in your daily routine. To prevent feeling overwhelmed, focus on the healthy choices that make the most sense for your current situation. After a few weeks or months, you can gradually add more exercise and self-care to your everyday life. Eventually, these healthier decisions will start to feel like a natural part of your day. You’ll find yourself living a happier, more fulfilling life with optimal mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
