- Nutrition is the first place to start on a personal health plan. Dietary changes can require less effort than those required for exercise. Start by evaluating your current diet. Does it contain a wide variety of foods? Fruits and vegetables of different colors, varying kinds of whole grains and starchy vegetables, lean proteins? If not, find ways to incorporate more of these foods. Portion control is important, particularly for foods not considered healthy.
- Physical fitness is as important as nutrition. Some people hear the word "exercise" and automatically picture hours spent daily at the gym, but this doesn't have to be the case. Find something fun and accessible. Walk around the block, a few times. Do it with friends, or a dog. Work up to going on a hike. Work in your garden.
Some people find the idea of exercise boring. If you like the gym, vary your workouts from day to day. Or try a community class, tai chi, yoga, or pilates. Some people feel too unhealthy to exercise. Many yoga studios offer introductory classes that can get the most sedentary person strengthening their muscles. - Use trips to the doctor's office collect information to develop your personal plan. A doctor can check such things as cholesterol and organ function, so you can help head off problems before they develop into something larger. For example, a high cholesterol or triglyceride level might give you the incentive you need to put more fiber in your diet or get exercising. Many different kinds of exercise have been shown to lower blood pressure.
- Excessive stress continues to be identified as a major culprit for bad health and proper stress management is vital for the success of a personal health plan. Some stress can be productive in your life. Having too much stress, though, can lead to bad side effects. It can weaken the immune system and exacerbate health problems.
Some healthy methods of dealing with excessive stress include: talking to friends and family, exercising, and simply asking for help. Choosing these kinds of options, instead of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, will help contribute to good health. - Humans are social creatures. We rely upon others to help enhance our lives and provide meaning and purpose. The relationships we have with other people play an important role in personal health. When we establish and maintain relationships with those who lead healthy lives, we are more likely to do so ourselves. Additionally, friends and families can keep us accountable to our personal health plans.
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