Irrespective of what stage of life you’re at, it’s never a bad idea to improve your approach to health. After all, the benefits of adopting healthy habits extend to virtually every aspect of your existence. Nonetheless, the thought of taking on the challenge alone can be somewhat daunting. Thankfully, several helping hands are available.
Here are just four areas where outside support could unlock the door to a healthier and happier future.
#1. Nutrition & exercise
Eating the right foods and burning enough calories should form the heartbeat of any healthy living plan. Regular readers will know that I’m an advocate of the vegan life and you can find plenty of great info online. Food is so much more than something to fill a hole when we are hungry. It’s there to nourish every cell in our body, which is why it’s so important to eat the right foods and follow a plant-based diet. There are numerous documentaries relating to health and the science behind it which you can find on Netflix and online. The best book I’ve ever read is The China Study by T Colin Campbell and it’s the perfect starting point. I only wish I’d read it much sooner.
As for fitness, a personal trainer is probably the first type of help you’ll consider. However, teaming up with friends to play a sport could be equally beneficial. The options are limitless. Whatever happens, you needn’t feel alone.
#2. Quitting bad habits
They say that a problem shared is a problem halved, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network can be telling as you bid to quit bad habits. Whether this support comes from friends and family or from others who have overcome the addiction doesn’t matter. The only factor that matters is that you find help from a source that works for you.
You will still need to take personal responsibility as you aim to put the dark days behind you. Still, a combination of advice, emotional support, and motivation can work wonders. Even if this comes from visiting online forums, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the results start to show when you have the right support system in place.
#3. Coping with changing needs when we get older
Whether we like to admit it or not, the body and mind will go through changes with age. When those times arrive, it’s important to accept the obvious signs right away. While the thought of moving to a care home is scary when we reach that age, it may be the best solution. If the situation dictates that this is the case in your life, quick action is vital.
Moving home to gain extra support is only one example, though. Your loss of dexterity or energy could require a little support from loved ones and caregivers. As long as the available help can keep you healthy and happy, that’s all that matters.
#4. Maintaining Emotional Happiness
Physical health is crucial, but we are increasingly aware of mental health too. Emotional health plays a huge role in this, which is why time spent with loved ones is the best gift of all. Whether it’s by taking holidays together or having a garden picnic, it doesn’t matter. Creating magical moments together will be highly beneficial for everyone.
When feeling down, the support of others or groups can help turn dark days into brighter ones, even if you can’t talk to family. In truth, though, you should never feel guilty about opening up in this way to your family. Loved ones may want to support you through those tough times and you should let them.