5 Important Investments In Your Health
When you’re looking to make an investment with a guaranteed return, no upfront cash and no risk whatsoever, you might think that there is no such thing. However, there is one excellent investment that you can make right now, which is your health. Good health is a proven way to help you earn more money, reduce your expenses and live a better life. Here are five important investments that you can make in your health today.
- Get a Physical
Preventive care is typically covered at 100 percent under health insurance. An annual physical gives you essential data about your health status now. It also gives you the information that you need in order to take action and invest in your health. During a physical your primary care doctor checks your cholesterol, blood sugar or A1C, blood pressure, weight, waist size and height. Your doctor may also provide you with guidance on lifestyle changes and behaviors that you can make now in order to improve your health in the short-term and long-term. Getting a physical also helps with the early detection of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.
- Start Exercising
You don’t have to go out and buy a pricey home gym, treadmill or room full of equipment in order to start exercising. Once you get the go-ahead from your doctor, you can start to exercise. Begin slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. It’s a good idea to have variety in the types of exercise you do. Variety helps you build muscle strength and flexibility, and it helps you avoid boredom and repetitive stress injuries.
Moderate-pace walking is a good way to start exercising. All you need are a good pair of athletic shoes, some sunscreen for your skin and a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Consider alternating walking or other aerobic exercises with strengthening exercises. Some good strengthening exercises are squats, planks and weight lifting. Be sure to stretch every day.
- Lower Your Stress
High stress hormone levels are associated with a higher risk for heart disease. Exercise is a great way to lower your stress and improve your mood. Take time for yourself every day. Meditate, pray or perform deep breathing exercises. Regularly engage in activities that are pleasurable or bring you joy, such as going to a movie with a friend or going to the local yarn shop and taking a knitting class.
- Get Rest
In a world where the number of hours you work is a badge of honor, getting quality sleep isn’t always a focal point. This can lead to untold number of physical and mental problems. Lack of sleep has been tied to anxiety and heart disease just to name a few. The first step you can take in sleeping better is finding the right mattress for your needs. Depending on how you sleep (stomach, side or back) there are different mattresses built to support you.
- Choose Healthy Foods
Another key investment to make is choosing healthy foods. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, focusing on fresh or frozen produce, lean protein and whole grains. Try a new fruit or vegetable every week. Experiment with different cooking methods that use less oil and salt. Implementing a nutritious diet at a young age has a lasting impact on your health. Eating a healthy diet also helps with the prevention of expensive chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
