Essential Tips for Managing Your Health on Many Fronts

Good health is more complex than a nutritious meal plan or a number on a scale. The way you care for your body, mind, mood, and social connections has a major impact on your overall well-being. 

This concept is sometimes called whole-person health. The approach looks beyond a single organ or ailment to consider the many facets of wellness that contribute to a happy, healthy life. The Whole-Person Health Poll found that 71% of Americans surveyed rate their overall health and wellness as good or excellent.^[1] 

Want to join the growing number of Americans who are enjoying excellent health? Keep reading for tips to support your body, mind, and social wellness so you can thrive on several fronts.

How to Support Your Whole Body

 Did you know that you have approximately 30 trillion cells in your body?^[2] It might seem daunting to care for each and every one, but focusing on habits and systems that affect the entire body can have a significant impact on your wellness.

 ●      Nutrition: What you eat matters. Remember to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and fiber, and limit sugars and fats. According to the CDC, healthy eating boosts immunity, strengthens bones, supports muscles, and more. Studies suggest a nutritious diet may even help you live longer.^[3] Read our blog on five delicious recipes to help balance your nutrition. 

●      Exercise: Adding more movement to your daily life makes a big difference. The Mayo Clinic has found many benefits to a 30-minute daily walk, including improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones and muscles, improving muscle endurance, and increasing energy levels.^[4]

●      Good Health From Head to Toe: There are some systems in the body that affect your overall health in major ways. 

○      Your immune system is a network of organs, white blood cells, proteins, and chemicals that work together to protect you from germs and other invaders. Nutrition, exercise, and sleep all improve immune health, as do supplements like Zinc Picolinate that can help uphold your immunity on a daily basis.*

○      Cardiovascular health powers everything you do. It allows your heart to pump blood and oxygen to the rest of your body so that all of your organs and cells can function properly. Exercise has a significant impact on cardiovascular health, so try adding an extra 15 minutes to your walk or including strength training. A supplement like Garlic with Parsley Heart Health Support can provide additional heart-healthy benefits.*

○      Strong bones are the literal backbone of well-being. Did you know that your bones are continuously changing? New bone is made and old bone is broken down on a regular basis.^[5] Supplements ensure you’re getting the nutrients your bones need every day. Our Bone Support formula is a powerful tool because it features three vital nutrients that your body needs for healthy bones: calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D-3.* It also comes in a high-potency formula for additional support for your bones, plus relaxation support.* 

Why Mind & Mood Matter

While physical health is important, a growing body of research suggests that feelings like happiness, optimism, gratitude, a sense of purpose, and positive well-being can lead to better heart and brain health, among other benefits.^[6] There are some easy ways to foster these positive emotions every day and over the years.

●      Spend time in nature to foster a sense of awe and wonder

●      Pursue hobbies like painting or crafting to bring beauty into your world

●      Read fiction to feed your imagination

Keeping your mind sharp is a vital component of managing your health. Here are some ways to add mental acuity to your routine:

●      A daily crossword or Sudoku puzzle to help you start the morning strong

●      A trip to the library to encourage your natural curiosity

●      Card games like bridge or trivia nights to bring friends and family into the mix

Social Connections Make a Difference

When your body and mind are in balance, social connections can help take your wellness to the next level. Research suggests that strong relationships and social connections can have a major impact on longevity. A 2010 meta-analysis of 148 studies found that participants with stronger social relationships had a 50% higher chance of survival (an average of an additional 7.5 years) than those without.^[7]

Spending time with friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers can help you improve your mood and stay engaged through the years. 

●      Volunteer for an organization you care about. You’ll likely meet other people who are passionate about that issue, too

●      Plan a potluck or block party so you can get to know your neighbors

●      Participate in community clean-up days to beautify your surroundings

You can also deepen relationships with your family and close friends. Activities that help you make new memories are especially important.

 ●      Go for long walks with friends

●      Have meaningful meals with family

●      Foster good conversations with everyone by taking the time to listen

 Takeaways

One of the best ways to manage your health on several fronts is to consider your entire life—body, mind, mood, and community. When you care for all of these aspects simultaneously, you give yourself the support you need to enjoy life to the fullest. 

Adding more exercise and nutritious meals to your life is important, but don’t forget to support your mind and fuel your happiness through hobbies and community activities. Find ways to strengthen your relationships with family and friends so you can feel connected every day.

 When you care for your whole self, you can live your life with gusto.