5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Energy and Have Joy in Your Life
By TOI Staff June 6, 2023 Update on : June 6, 2023
A healthy lifestyle is more than just exercise, or eating healthy. It’s a combination of these and other factors that can lead to increased length of life, and increased enjoyment and happiness! Here are four areas of your life where healthy choices can lead to more joy.
Eating healthy food offers many benefits for your overall health. It provides essential nutrients that support bodily functions, including growth and maintenance. A balanced diet boosts energy levels, aids digestion, and enhances immune function, reducing the risk of illnesses. It also supports weight management and reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Also, a nutritious diet promotes mental well-being and healthy aging.
When your body feels good, and performs the way it’s supposed to, you’ll have more energy to put towards the things you need to, and want to get done in your life! Whether that’s a hobby, being more productive at work, or being more present and patience with your family members, feeling good is the base layer for all of these things.
Supplements can play a role in supporting overall health and well-being when used appropriately. While it’s important to prioritize obtaining nutrients from a balanced diet, supplements can help fill nutritional gaps or address specific deficiencies. Some common supplements include multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal extracts. Just remember that they aren’t a substitute for healthy food choices, they are meant to supplement a healthy diet – which is where the name comes from!
Good sleep is another thing that is essential for overall health and well-being. Your sleep has significant impacts on physical health, mental functioning, emotional well-being, energy levels, and quality of life.
During sleep, the body repairs tissues, synthesizes hormones, and strengthens the immune system. It enhances cognitive processes like memory, learning, attention, and problem-solving. A high quality sleep promotes emotional stability, reduces the risk of mental health conditions, and improves stress management. It boosts energy, productivity, and physical performance while regulating appetite and weight.
In order to get a good sleep, a quality mattress is necessary. It used to be that a new mattress could cost thousands of dollars, but now there are many quality mattresses available for much less. In fact, you can get a highly-rated mattress under $1000 in Canada shipped right to your door.
When buying a mattress, you need to take into account your sleep position, your weight, as well as the same information for anyone you would be sharing the bed with regularly.
Ultimately, prioritizing and maintaining healthy sleep habits is crucial for reaping the numerous benefits of restorative sleep and leading a healthier, happier life.
Sunshine can also do your body good. Exposing your skin to sunshine allows vitamin D synthesis which plays a role in maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin D also support immune function and is protective against certain diseases. Of course, too much sun is no good because sun burns are actually detrimintal to your skin and can even lead to skin cancer if sun burns happen regularly.
Regular exercise is important for your body and energy levels. Exercise enhances cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation. Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins, known as “feel-good” hormones, which can make you feel happier and reduce your stress levels.
Exercise also helps in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Engaging in physical activity as a regular part of your daily schedule can greatly improve your sleep quality too and helps you avoid insomnia. It can help regulate sleep patterns and promote deeper, more restful sleep, resulting in increased energy levels and better overall vitality. See how all of these things are interconnected?
Of course, all of these things are less useful if you still go through your day lacking purpose and direction. A clear purpose fosters positive emotions, higher self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction. It also motivates individuals during difficult times and builds resilience.
Many find purpose in religion, or even in belonging to clubs and organizations. Having a purpose is associated with increased longevity, healthier aging, and a lower risk of cognitive decline. It encourages an active, engaged, and socially connected lifestyle, contributing to overall well-being in the long run.
Making small changes in just a few of these areas is a move in the right direction. Over time, small changes lead to big gains in overall health and vitality.
Read more: 5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Energy and Have Joy in Your Life