Maintaining a state of balance is fundamental to health, wellness, and wellbeing. True, consuming nutritious foods, getting adequate sleep, and exercise are essential to health, yet it’s just as important to engage in activities that nourish the mind and soul. Creating a meaningful life looks different for each individual, involving lifestyle preferences and other influential factors. However, we can all benefit from a healthy state of mind, body, and soul. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outlines central aspects of physical and mental wellbeing in the Components of Productive Health and Well-being model noting, “Self-care includes all the choices you make on a daily basis that affect your physical, mental, and spiritual health. In fact, how you take care of yourself will have a greater impact on your health and well-being than the medical care you receive.”
Most of us are familiar with the importance of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It sure is healthy and nutritious! Yet, are you familiar with properties that make fruits and veggies a must in your diet? No one fruit or vegetable contains all essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy living. Essential vitamins and minerals are obtained through the consumption of nutritious foods. Try being adventurous, adding tasty and colorful fruits and veggies to your meals! Nature offers a variety of foods with nutritional properties waiting to be discovered.
You’ve likely heard the importance of eating whole-wheat foods and limiting intake of refined grains. Yet do many understanding the benefits in fiber-packed foods for colon health? Fiber is naturally found in whole wheat, oats, fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. Since fiber is not absorbed in the small intestine it promotes bulky stools aiding the passing of bowel movements. According to the Mayo Clinic a high-fiber diet helps lower the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticular disease and also decreases likelihood of constipation.
Feeling energy zapped or in need of motivation? Exercise fosters wellness and wellbeing along with numerous health benefits. Maintaining physically active also improves quality of sleep, mood, and energy levels. The Mayo Clinic comments on the benefits of exercise noting, “Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun.” The Mayo Clinic goes on to share how a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity should be introduced daily. Now that we know health benefits in keeping physically active, let’s get up and moving!
Join us as celebrate healthy aging month! In September we promote healthy lifestyle choices for older adults that enhance wellness and wellbeing. The good news is drastic changes are not required for wholesome living. Introducing a few strategies at a time can bring about positive outcomes. Take a proactive stand this month towards your health and wellbeing!
