It seems that, international pandemic aside, we’ve never been more obsessed with our health. Every food item we buy has its calorie and nutritional content emblazoned on the packaging. Restaurants, bars and cafes are tripping over themselves to supplement their menus with lower fat, lower carb, vegan or gluten free options. We’re packing ourselves into gyms and downloading health apps to ensure that we keep our bodies fit and healthy. But while counting calories, balancing macros and pumping iron are all great for maintaining good general health, diet and exercise are not the be all and end all when it comes to our health.
Don’t get me wrong, they are important pillars that inform many other aspects of our health. But unless we’re also covering these other important bases, we can never hope to get the most out of them. Bases like…
Your sleep
Even if your diet is flawless and your exercise regimen impeccable, you’re doing your body a great disservice if you’re not giving it the sleep it needs. All too often our busy and stressful lifestyles see us sacrifice sleep to worries about money and productivity. But unless you’re getting at least 7 hours’ sleep a day, you’re building on a shaky foundation. While we’re asleep our bodies carry out the routine repairs and maintenance that are essential to maintain good health and wellbeing. So make sure you’re getting yours.
Your dental health
It’s unfortunate that we think of nour dental health only in cosmetic terms. There’s more to good dental health than pretty, straight, white teeth. Dental health is also a vital part of our overall wellbeing. Those of us with dental health or hygiene face a greater risk of infections entering the body through the mouth. Moreover, symptoms of a range of illnesses from diabetes to HIV manifest in the mouth before they manifest elsewhere. Which is why a regular checkup with the dentist can be a great way of ensuring that you’re in good overall health.
Your sexual health
Many of us get a little shy when talking about the health of our naughty bits, especially when it comes to sexual health. But burying our heads in the sand can create serious problems. Some sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia often don’t present any symptoms and yet can create fertility problems as well as pain and discomfort in the long term. Even if you feel fine and your last sexual contact was protected it’s a good idea to check in with a service like Priority just to be on the safe side. No form of protection is infallible and getting checked can grant you peace of mind. Which brings us to…
Your mental health
Now more than ever it’s important to take steps to safeguard your mental health. While we all get down from time to time, neglecting our mental health can have life altering repercussions. Eating right and exercising can certainly help, but taking steps to manage stress and anxiety through meditation, being open and honest with friends and family and knowing when it’s time to talk to a professional are all basic mental health precautions that we all should take.
