Wellness, as described by the World Health Organization, is the “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease”. Unlike the traditional health care which focuses on treating and curing sickness, the wellness concept takes a proactive stance on having a better and healthier way of life. It is an approach that aims to reduce your risk of serious illness and its key theme revolves around prevention rather than cure.
The wellness lifestyle involves three basic principles: eating right, exercising regularly, and finding balance in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life.
Eat well. Lessen the amount of cholesterol and saturated fats in your diet. Try the low-fat alternatives and go for lean meat, poultry, fish and vegetable oil. Avoid refined or processed foods such as white bread, sugar-coated cereals, and convenience snacks. Increase your fiber intake and opt for whole grain breads and cereals, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes such as beans and peas. Drink plenty of water and cut down on carbonated drinks.
Have a regular exercise regimen and get fit. Go to the gym or buy a fitness video which you could watch and follow at your own pace at home. Make sure that your program includes aerobics to keep your heart and lungs strong and circuit conditioning to keep your muscles toned. Always start with warm-ups to prepare your body for strenuous exercise and help avoid injury. End with cooling down exercises to bring your heart rate back to normal. You can also sign up in a sports clinic. Be physically active. Walk. Choose the stairs. Move more as you do your daily routine.
Relax. Slow down and have a break from your busy work schedule. Sleep well. Prioritize bonding time with family and friends. Watch a movie. Start a hobby. Raise a pet. Get involved in church activities and community service. Join environmentalists and campaign to save Mother Earth. Take time to laugh and simply enjoy life.
The way you live has a direct impact on your health. If you do not take charge of your health and continue with your unhealthy habits, you actually increase your chances of developing life-threatening conditions. Stress and unhealthy lifestyle generate non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in people. NCDs are commonly known as “lifestyle diseases” which include cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Prevent this from happening and enjoy having the energy to live an active and fulfilling life at any age. Embark on your personal journey to wellness now.
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