Many people are distracted with the day to day life they have, and therefore, they tend to live not-so-healthy lifestyles. This is very concerning to doctors that see the average individual ruin their health without them even realizing it.
This is why doctors really want everyone to listen to the advice they have to give because it is essential for people’s overall health. And the things that they want to tell their own mothers are the things that they want to tell you and want you to listen to.
Here are 14 things that doctors want to tell you that they would also tell their mothers, and anyone else who is important to them:
#14 – Breathe Through Your Nose For A Good Night Sleep
If you breathe through your mouth when you are trying to sleep, you are not getting yourself into a calm state which will keep your brain in wake mode. Therefore, you will have those thoughts swirling in your head. Breathing through your nose will help you become drowsy, and will help you get to sleep for the night. Therefore, if you are struggling to fall asleep, stick to breathing through your nose.
#13 – Ditch The Diet Soda
Regular soda is high in sugar. Therefore, a great replacement would be diet soda because it does not have the calories and sugar that regular soda has. However, diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners that can cause metabolic issues that can result in weight gain and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, ditch the diet soda and if you want to drink something sparkling with fizz, go for mineral water and add some slices of citrus fruits in it. It is very refreshing.
#12 – Mental Health Matters
Many people don’t really take mental health seriously. If your mental health is not in good shape, then your overall health will not be either. If you need to take a mental health day because you are extremely stressed and it is taking a toll on you, then take it! Seek therapy as well if you are really struggling as you don’t want to risk slipping into a serious depression. Practice meditation as well and go for ME time such as reading your favorite book for a half-hour without any distractions.
#11 – Learn About Your Family History In Regards To Health
It is important that you know your family history. For instance, if your grandfather died of a heart attack and your mother has heart problems, then there is a good chance you could have inherited the strong possibility of that as well. If you were adopted, or you were orphaned at a young age, or you have not been in speaking terms with your parents, then take a DNA test to find out what you may be predisposed to health-wise.
#10 – Don’t Skip Your Annual Check-Ups
Many people don’t bother going for their annual checkups. They say they don’t have ‘time’ for it, but all it takes is just a few hours of one day to get a checkup or even less. Your health can change in no time. Just because you were in perfect health last year does not mean that is the case this time. You don’t want to find out the hard way at a later time that you have an illness that could have been better managed or even reversed if you found out about it during your checkup.
#9 – Practice Mindful Eating
It is easy to lose track of what and how much you eat in a day. Find out your caloric daily needs for maintenance (or healthy weight loss or gain), and stick to those. Also, stick to foods that are balanced and as organic as possible. This means to limit processed food and sugar.
#8 – Be Strict With Yourself In Regards To Your Prescriptions
It is important that you stay on top of your prescription medication and don’t intentionally forget to take your meds in a day. Get a pillbox to help you keep track of the meds you take. Schedule your meds in, and keep up with your refills as well.
#7 – Drink At Least 6 Glasses Of Water Each Day
You want to keep yourself properly hydrated to help flush out toxins and to help keep circulation going. Therefore, drink from 6 to 10 glasses of water when you are healthy to do that. When you are sick, drink at least 8 glasses of water to help you keep your fluids replenished. You need it for your immune system.
#6 – Express Gratitude Daily
Thinking about the things in life you are grateful for will help improve your mental health, which will help your overall health. Take 5 minutes each day and think about the things you are grateful for. Even if you have a rough day, you can be grateful for getting out of bed and having something to eat.
#5 – Take Advantage Of Light Therapy During Winter
If you live in a colder climate, then that means it will be dark and cold most of the time. This can cause you to develop seasonal-related mental health disorders. Therefore, get the right type of light to help stave those winter blues off. Your doctor can recommend the best ones for you.
#4 – Stay Active
You need to stay active to help burn calories that prevent weight gain, improve circulation, and to keep your mental health up to par. You don’t need to buy a gym membership, but you need to find a way to do a 20-minute workout at the minimum daily. Even if that means taking a brisk walk for that amount of time. Living a sedentary lifestyle can be dangerous.
#3 – Get The Right Amount Of Quality Sleep
Most people do not get enough sleep (and some get too much) and either of those can increase the chances of developing many health problems such as depression, heart disease, and diabetes. Ideally, you should get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep a night. At a minimum, get 6 hours a night and at a maximum, get 9 hours of sleep.
#2 – See Your Dentist Regularly
Practicing good oral hygiene is important for your overall health. If you develop gum disease or have untreated cavities, that can lead to other serious health problems. Oftentimes, those can involve the heart. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist!
#1 – Wash Your Hands With Soap And Water After Being Away From Home
Even when it is not the COVID-19 outbreak as it will end, you need to practice this essential hygienic ritual! As soon as you go home from somewhere, go and wash your hands first, and lather it up with soap for 20 seconds. And then rinse well. Dry your hands with a clean towel.
If you practice those 14 simple things, then you will be able to stay in good health – and have any condition you may have treated and managed.
