Almost everyone is talking about “wellness” these days; in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this has probably been the most researched topic on the Internet. This is because, according to medical experts, a strong immune system alone can help us battle this deadly virus. But, what exactly is wellness? Wellness means the ability to live well; it encompasses a state of mental, physical, and social wellbeing, not only the absence of diseases. So, we need to focus on achieving physical wellness first and foremost to staying happy and healthy.
Key aspects of physical wellness:
- Sleep: Unbelievable as it may sound, the lack of proper sleep can wreak havoc in your body. Sleep is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of physical wellness; we seldom attach importance to the need for 8 hours of sleep for a rejuvenated body. Stress is probably the biggest cause for disturbed sleep and irregular sleep patterns. For those who ignore the importance of having a regular sleep cycle, conditions like depression and emotional instability, memory problems, susceptibility to ailments, fatigue and sluggishness are common.
- Diet: Following a balanced diet and eating right is the key to a healthy and happy life. If you can consume right portions of whole grains, lean meat, vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants, you can maintain an optimum body weight and a strong immune system. When you indulge in binge-eating or skip meals to lose weight, you end up causing more harm to your body than you can imagine. The key to physical wellness is eating nutrient-rich meals and sticking to proper meal times. If you can do this, you can protect yourself from diseases and enhance your emotional wellbeing. Cutting down on sugar and salt intake, drinking lots of water, and staying away from fast foods can be a good way to staying happy and healthy.
- Exercise: In times like these, when we are forced to stay indoors because of frequent state-imposed lockdowns, working out may seem to be a challenge. But, this should not deter you from making an effort to stay physically active. You can always practice yoga and meditation at home, invest in home-gym equipments to keep your exercise routines going, and take regular walks to enjoy some cardio workout every day. When you work out, the body releases endorphins that are called “happy hormones”. Besides, exercises can reduce risks of cardiovascular problems and obesity-related issues.
- Hygiene: It is a well-known fact that diseases happen when you reside in an unhealthy and unclean environment. So, following good hygiene habits like showering and brushing one’s teeth regularly, sanitizing the home and washing hands, especially because of the infectious coronavirus that is transmitted through touch, and keeping your surroundings clean is a must to stay free from ailments. When you keep yourself clean, it automatically enhances your mood and emotional wellbeing; it makes you feel good about yourself and works wonders for your self-esteem.
- Relaxation: Did you know that taking a break from stressful work schedules can be the best way to heal your emotional health? Stress is the single-most important factor that causes us to fall sick. When you experience a lot of stress because of professional or personal commitments, you will find that your body reacts to this and it is manifested as body aches and muscle pains. So, take a break once in a while to unwind and relax; put away everything that makes you tense and engage in activities which relieve you of such stress, like reading, listening to music, or playing a sport.
