When your body and mental state are balanced, you enjoy maximum health. Daily stress and strain, however, take a toll, requiring some maintenance to restore equilibrium. Stay well by caring for yourself on a regular basis instead of waiting for health problems crop up. Good nutrition, regular sleep and exercise, and a plan for managing your stress level can optimize your metabolism and bolster your immune system to fight off illness.
Eat Well
Poor nutrition and overweight conditions degrade your health, while eating nutritious foods within calorie limits has the opposite effect. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and less fatty meats and snacks. The more nutrient-dense foods are -- that is, the richer in vitamin, mineral and fiber content for the fewest calories -- the more they help you naturally control your weight while providing the elements needed for efficient metabolism. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetable especially benefit your immune system.
Sleep Well
Restful sleep has a similar impact on immunity, as your body recharges every night to meet the next day's challenges. The National Sleep Foundation reports that population groups that are sleep-deprived are most likely to suffer from infectious colds and flu. You can boost your defenses and stay healthy by getting from 7 to 9 hours of sleep at a stretch, which lets your body complete all the stages needed for cellular repair and rejuvenation. Make adequate sleep a priority and a likely achievement by scheduling it into your day like other important tasks.
Move Often
Musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary health depend on regular use of your muscles, bones, heart and lungs. Prevent muscle strains and tears, joint sprains and bone fractures by working out with weights or resistance bands twice a week. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports health benefits from 150 minutes per week or more of aerobic exercise, such as running, walking or cycling. Some exercise is better than none at all, so if you're just starting out, ease into a routine in 10-minute increments and increase your activity time and intensity as your fitness improves.
Let Go of Stress
Your mental attitude can harm your health if you allow daily stress to build without an outlet. Stress hormones triggered by emotional imbalance can cause muscle tension, sleep problems, digestive upset and depression, all of which lead to greater illness over time. The National Women's Health Information Center suggests managing stress daily to avoid chronic symptoms. Practice stretching, working on a hobby or spending time with a good book or chatting with a friend for a few minutes every day, to redirect stressful energy into positive, healthy pursuits.
