What Makes a Healthy Lifestyle?

Improving your quality of life starts with regular activity. Depending on your age and physical abilities, physical activity can mean different things.  It might be parking your car a little further from the office and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. It might mean taking a brisk walk with a friend after work several times a week.  Your primary care doctor will help you determine what the right type of amount of exercise is best for you. 

Physical exercise can promote overall strength in your bones, joints, and muscles. It can also have long-term health benefits and increases life expectancy. Studies have proven that regular exercise reduces the risk of developing diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. 

In addition to increasing physical activity, exercising can have positive effects on your mental health also. For those who struggle with depression, anxiety, and ADHD, they may have noticeable differences in their mental condition as a result of exercise.  Exercising can release endorphins into your brain and this helps to relieve stress, improve memory, and boost your overall mood! Who wouldn’t want that?

Mental health is vital to accomplishing a harmonious balance to your overall health and well-being.  What good would it be to have great physical health but poor mental health? 

You may think of a primary care doctor as someone who cares about your physical health, but believe it or not, your primary care doctor has been trained to understand the vital connection between physical and mental health.  Your mental health can most certainly have an impact on your physical health. There is a direct connection between the two. Be sure to talk to your primary care doctor if you find that you are experiencing depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping or eating, mood swings, etc.  With the proper guidance, your physician can help you get on the road to better mental health as well.

Did you know?  People who are physically active usually tend to feel “happier” due to the release of endorphins from their brains after exercising.  So, get that body moving and let those endorphins run free!

Nutrition

We hear it all the time “eat nutritious foods”.  But, why does it matter?  Proper nutrition impacts many aspects of your life, including your physical and mental health. 

Our physical and mental health are directly affected by the fuel (aka food) we give our body to run on.  Eat bad and you are probably going to “feel” bad.  For example, if we eat unhealthy foods lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, we may feel sluggish and tired or have “brain fog”.  Taking a multi-vitamin can help some, but there really is no substitute for eating healthy meals (and snacks). 

Some helpful tips for healthier eating:

• When shopping at the grocery store, come armed with a list and eat before you go.  Avoid the inner aisles. Stay on the outside perimeter and shop for healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

• Avoid eating out and cook meals at home when you can.  If you find yourself in a position of having to eat “on the run” pay careful attention to the menu. Most menus are now required to display calorie counts.  Choose the healthier option.  Your body will thank you for it later.

• Plan ahead and prepare meals that are easy to take with you to work or school.  Pre-cook meals and store them in the freezer or refrigerator for easy heating at dinner.

• Drink a full glass of water before a meal. It will help your stomach to feel fuller and help you to eat less.

• Have healthy snacks on standby so you aren’t tempted to grab snacks with empty calories.

Your body is very much like a car.  By consuming the right fuel, it will last much longer.  Take good care of your body. You only get one!

If you don’t currently have a primary care provider and would like to establish a relationship with one who will care for your physical, mental, and nutritional health needs, you’ve come to the right place!   Dr. Amar Bhati is a trained and experienced concierge physician who is dedicated to the overall health and well-being of his patients. He understands the three aspects of a harmonious, healthy lifestyle and he can help you achieve your goals. 

Call today to learn more.