A healthy lifestyle is something many people aspire to, and you may already be taking steps to get there. Whether those changes are big (like working daily exercise into your routine) or small (such as having less soft drink), they could lead to some great results.
However, there are steps that may be overlooked on the road to wellness. Thinking about things like the air we breathe, how we sleep and common causes of stress could all play a part in creating a healthier life. Here are five health-related “chores” to consider crossing off your to-do list.
- Eating a rainbow of foods
With all the competing nutrition advice available today, it can be tough to know what and how much to eat. However, a good rule of thumb for most people is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. This helps give the body plenty of the fibre, vitamins and minerals it needs.
It may also be important to eat produce from every colour group. Each colour is typically full of specific nutrients, so sampling foods of different hues could help balance a healthy diet, according to Shape Magazine. For example, green vegetables and fruits tend to be high in iron and vitamin B, while red, orange and yellow ones are rich in vitamin C. - Keeping the air inside clean
Most people are careful when it comes to cleaning their homes. Wiping down countertops, practicing good hygiene while cooking and scrubbing floors can all help keep germs and bacteria at bay. But, how often do you think about the air quality inside your home?
The air you breathe inside the house can have a big impact on your health. Regularly cleaning out vents and fixing leaky pipes may help decrease allergens and prevent mould growth indoors. House plants could also help improve air quality by acting as natural filters. - Talking to your family about your life insurance
This may not seem like a health-related task, but discussing any life insurance policies you hold could affect your family’s mental health. Your spouse, parents or even older children might have concerns about what would happen if you were to pass away unexpectedly. Knowing that you have a plan in place could help them rest a little easier.
Dollar Insurance, a New Zealand life insurance brand, suggests going over any exclusions on your policy as well. That way, your family will have a better idea of when the policy will or won’t be paid, and could avoid some unnecessary confusion or stress at claim time. - Having the ‘money talk’ with your spouse
Another chore that could improve your mental health is having regular discussions about the household finances with your significant other. Money arguments are one of the leading causes of stress in relationships and also a strong predictor of divorce.
However, some research has shown that couples who talk about money together rarely or never fight about it. They’re generally less worried about the finances and may be more likely to be financially fit. - Practicing good sleep hygiene
Getting a good night’s sleep is perhaps one of the most important things you can do for your body. Too little good-quality sleep may affect your general health, mood and overall wellbeing. But, despite good intentions, many people find it hard to get the rest they need.
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine could help sleep come easier. Taking steps like removing screens from the bedroom, dimming lights in the evening or sticking to a sleep schedule (even on weekends) could help improve the sleep you do get.
If you’re overlooking any of these health “chores”, it might be time to give them some thought. Making positive changes for you and your family’s health may mean thinking beyond the standard advice around diet and exercise. Reviewing all parts of your lifestyle could help you achieve even better results.