Five Things You Can Do To Stay Healthy

Are you feeling overworked? Not getting enough sleep at night? Too many things weighing heavily on your mind? 

The fact is, daily life seems to be moving faster and faster and keeping pace with it can be overwhelming on some days. Your physical and mental well-being play an important role in how you manage day-to-day pressures. There are things you can do to maintain a healthy and balanced life and our providers at Bluestem Health have come up with five things you can do to help you take care of yourself and get you enjoying life again.

1. Be Active

From childhood to adulthood, we’ve learned that physical activity is necessary to support our heart, muscles, brain, and other vital organs in our body. Whether you thrive on a daily exercise routine or you need constant motivation to get moving, staying active is the secret to enjoying more years of life. Here are some activities you can do for 30 minutes several times a week to help you reach your goal of being active and they don’t require a gym membership.

• Walk your dog or walk with your neighbor for 30 to 60 minutes
• Work in your garden or mow your lawn
• Ride a bicycle on the many trails around Lincoln
• Dance around your house or join a dance class
• Use a resistance band to help strengthen your muscles

If you prefer a more structured exercise plan, look for programs online that you can do in the comfort of your own home or join the local YMCA.

2. Make Health Food Choices

It’s important to eat foods that support your brain and body health, and contain essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The National Institute on Aging suggests following the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to help you through all stages of life. Making the right choices of foods to eat can be overwhelming sometimes so make sure you are including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins each day.

Other things to be mindful of when making food choices:

• Select nutrient-rich foods such as seafood, nuts, seeds, and lean meats and poultry
• Limit foods with added sugars and saturated fats
• You can’t go wrong with fruits and vegetables, fresh or frozen
• Keep an eye on portion sizes and how much food you are consuming

Being aware of choosing the right foods will help reduce your risk of getting chronic diseases as you get older.

3. Get Plenty of Sleep

Lack of sleep impacts your memory, emotions, weight and even your appearance. The older you get, the harder it can be to fall and stay asleep, but you still need the same amount of hours.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, most sleep problems are a result of snoring, medication side effects, and underlying medical conditions, such as acid reflux, depression and prostate problems. Addressing those issues with your doctor is a good start. You can also enjoy more satisfying sleep by creating a calming space, dedicating enough time for sleep and practicing relaxation techniques.

4. See Your Doctor Regularly

You don’t need to be sick to see your doctor. As you age, an annual exam will give you an opportunity to discuss changes in your health so that your provider is aware. Make sure you stay current with health screenings and vaccinations. 

5. Pay Attention to Your Mental Health

Chronic stress can have a damaging effect on your brain and body, especially with learning and memory. Exercise, meditation, and checking in with family and friends regularly will go a long way in managing stress levels. If you are struggling with mental health, talk to your provider.

It’s never too late to develop new habits. Be proactive when it comes to your health. Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel every day. The providers at Bluestem Health are ready to help you be healthy through all stages of life. Learn more about services we offer at bluestemlincoln.com.