Health is wealth is an adage that we have all grown up listening to – and, truly there is more to this phrase than meets the eye. According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”Sound health can help us lead a better quality of life. However, in our fast-paced lives today, health and overall well-being seem to have taken a backseat. This, in turn, has led to an increase in several lifestyle and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. It is imperative that we take a pledge to make our health a priority and work towards a better version of ourselves. Here are some tips you can follow for a healthy body and mind.

Eat in smaller portions

What we eat and in how much quantity matters a lot. Eating right helps in keeping our metabolism right and the system in shape.Plan 5 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. Schedule a meal every 2 to 3 hours. Include a variety of fruits vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.

Start now

There is no right time to make a change or focus on following a healthy habit. Take up one habit you wish to change – this could be working out every day or taking the stairs instead of the lift – and work towards making it a permanent activity. The idea is to start with tiny, painless changes and establish the healthy mentality.

Bust the stress

Stress is one of the major causes for several lifestyle disorders. Discover the source of your stress and deal with it to maintain your mental wellness. Manage stress by indulging in activities such as meditation or yoga. Practice mindfulness and gratitude for life.

Exercise regularly

Exercising every day can accrue many health benefits. Studies have shown that even exercising for ten minutes can make substantial difference to life and reduce the markers of ageing. Take up any form of exercise you are comfortable with and begin today. Exercise also releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) which helps in reducing stress.

Sleep well

Lack of sleep can impact our overall health and well-being. It can lead to emotional and psychological issues and therefore it is imperative to follow a proper sleeping pattern. Understand your body’s circadian rhythm and ensure that you get at least 8 hours of sound sleep for maximum bodily and psychological recovery.

In conclusion

Our physical health is influenced and interconnected with a lot of other factors.Understanding and modifying these to suit our lifestyle in a positive way can make a world of difference to our overall health and well-being. It is said that small steps can lead to a bigger outcome and making these little changes can similarly result in better health for everyone. The time to begin is now.

( Dr. Prashant Kumar Dash, Director-Medical Services at Medlife.com )