Simple Habits To Help You Live Your Best Life

We all want to prioritize our health, but sometimes life just gets in the way. The truth is there are simple ways to look after yourself that won’t take much effort or time. When you practice good, everyday habits, you’ll notice you feel better, so you’ll enjoy your time with your family and friends more and work more productively. The overall goal for everyone should be to develop easy, smart ways to improve your health so you feel good for years to come. 

1. Prioritize sleep.

Too many people don’t understand the value of a good night’s sleep. Good sleep patterns should be developed early on, but if you happen to be a night owl or live on under five hours of rest each night, you need to develop better habits so you feel more refreshed in the morning. 

A good sleep routine is so important for your overall health because it is when your body gets to rest. But, it is more than just rest. Sleep deficiencies are often linked to increased risk of heart disease and poor immune function. When you get a good night’s rest, you are more likely to be in a better mood, make better decisions, and increase your performance at both work and school compared to those with erratic sleep schedules. 

The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults get a minimum of seven uninterrupted hours of sleep. For those who struggle with a solid sleep pattern, it is best to start practicing a good nighttime routine and wind-down list to get into good sleep hygiene habits. This might include listening to calming music and avoiding sleep disturbers like caffeine and smartphones before bed. 

If you can’t seem to sleep well, consult with your doctor or dentist about a possible sleep apnea condition that may be impairing your rest. There are simple ways to treat sleep apnea like wearing a customized night guard and muscle exercises with myofunctional therapy to help with those who struggle with apnea conditions.

2. Get some fresh air.

Sometimes fresh air is all you need to improve your physical and emotional well-being. Spending time outside is beneficial for people of all ages because it helps clean your lungs, gives you more energy, and gives your mood a positive boost. 

Whether you are active outside exercising or just going for a leisurely walk, it is important to get fresh air each day to help improve your overall health. There are added benefits of fresh air as oxygen is responsible for helping you digest your food and helping your immune system work properly. 

3. Drink plenty of water.

Too many people forget to drink enough water throughout the day, leaving them feeling exhausted and brain-fogged. Dehydration is terrible for the body because it leads to headaches, poor physical performance, and negatively affects brain function.

When you drink enough water, it leads to better kidney and brain function, helps flush toxins, decreases your risk of tooth decay, and maintains a stable blood pressure. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women should be drinking around nine cups of water per day and men, at least 13. If you feel like you are under drinking and are not good with maintaining hydration throughout the day, here are a few ways you can change that:

• Get a fun, reusable water bottle that lists your hydration goals.
• Set a timer throughout the day to take a drink of water.
• Take breaks from work to get water.
• Drink water with meals.

4. Go to the dentist for routine care.

If you can’t remember the last time you went to the dentist, it’s probably time to make an appointment. Preventive dentistry is one of the simplest ways you can invest in your overall health because oral health is directly linked to your general well-being. It is well-known that poor gum health has a direct link to heart disease and diabetes, which is why it is important to keep up with your brushing and flossing at home. When you invest the time in caring for your teeth and gums, you are automatically receiving health benefits, like decreasing your risk for cardiovascular problems. 

Preventive care at the dentist means going for a professional exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, any necessary X-rays and sealants to help fight tooth decay. Discussing a night guard or athletic mouthguard are also great ways to protect your mouth and invest in your long-term dental care.  

A simple way to invest in healthy living is to ask your dentist and hygienist about good oral health products to use at home so you know what is best for you. Talk to your dentist near Greensboro, NC, about your home care practices so you can improve your oral health routine and ensure it is in top shape.

5. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

It can be difficult to seek out professional help when you are feeling down. How do you know if you are just having a bad day or it is something that you should address with a professional? You can discuss your feelings at your yearly physical with your doctor if you are down at random times or you are noticing it more frequently. 

Have an honest talk with your family and ask if they notice anything about your emotions or attitude that is causing concern. The hardest part is accepting you may need professional help, but therapy may be the best thing you can do for your overall health. 

Therapy is a great way to release emotions and develop strategies to feel healthier and work more productively. After all, your mental health is how you feel each day, and we all want to wake up feeling the best versions of ourselves. 

Farless Dental Group can help you maintain your oral health. 

Developing good habits for your health is the best health investment you will ever make. There are simple ways you can improve yourself, such as drinking more water and getting more sleep, to help you feel great. 

Start practicing healthy living by investing in preventative dentistry to reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, and ensuring your mental health is where it needs to be so you can be present and healthy in every moment. 

If it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, the team at Farless Dental Group is here to make sure you’re showing your best smile. Make an appointment using our handy online booking form and let us partner with you for a happier, healthier you.