Health is an accumulation. We continually add to or subtract from the sum total of our health with our daily decisions. The difference between being the healthiest you can possibly be and feeling completely rundown is a tiny decision that’s made over and over again.
Floss:
I know, I know. There’s a good chance you despise flossing (especially if you’re a guy). But, did you know that an unflossed mouth can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness? That’s right—the wee little bugs that thrive in a dirty mouth do more than just damage your teeth. They have a detrimental effect throughout your body.
If you don’t like the traditional method of shoving your hands in your mouth, try out the new floss picks. Floss every day for a week, and enjoy how fantastic you feel. If you’ve really been putting off flossing for a long time, you may even find quick improvements in your energy level.
Sleep Enough:
“Sleep when you’re dead”… said everyone who’s ever been way too stressed out.
Sleep is the first thing to go. In American culture we sleep less as soon as we get busy. Swamped with work? Wake up at 5:00am instead of 6:00am. Need to squeeze in a workout? Hit the gym at 10:00pm or don’t go at all.
It may seem that the recommended 7-8 hours per night has gone by the wayside, but the healthiest people still get their rest. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, blood sugar problems, weight control problems, or you’re always sick, then you probably need to get your sleep back. A well-rested body allows for proper cellular healing, metabolism, and regeneration that can’t happen on 5 hours of sleep.
Cook for Yourself:
Learn to cook. It involves you in the process of eating. When you’re involved, you enjoy and appreciate your meal, making it less likely that you’ll overeat or indulge. Cooking for yourself and your family creates a sense of food responsibility. Those who own this sense of responsibility take more time for meals, enjoy community around the table, eat more slowly, and choose healthier foods than those who do not. The healthiest people cook for themselves and are extremely food responsible.
Contributing Author
Dr. Kyle Goerschler, PAK, DNS, TPI
Chiropractic Physician
Owner, Inertia Health Center
Inertia Health Center
1821 Hicks Rd. Suite B
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008