Being healthy means different things to different people. For some, it’s about longevity, living as many years as you can. Others place a high value on being free from illness and having physical strength. A third group focuses more on emotional health and happiness. Whatever your definition might be, we all want it, we all want to be healthy.
The problem is the effort it requires, what being healthy entails. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are simple things you can do that have lasting benefits. Three of the most useful ones are proper oral hygiene, sleep, and meditation.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Most people underestimate the importance of having good teeth. Of course, nobody likes black teeth and swollen gums. But it’s not just about vanity. Bad teeth often represent underlying, unattended health issues. Among others, they can be a sign of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and even Alzheimer’s. As such, it’s important to both monitor how your teeth look and feel, and maintain an adequate daily routine.
Best practices include:
- Changing your toothbrush at least once every couple of months. Once the bristles weaken and spread out instead of up, it’s usually time for a change. Rather than cleaning your teeth, an old, rundown toothbrush will harm your gums, leading to chronic bath breath.
- Use mouthwash every day. Aside from providing a thorough cleanse of upper and lower mandibles, the alcohol properties of mouthwash prevent bacteria from forming which can affect other areas of your body including your esophagus and respiratory tracks.
- Floss as much as you can. Flossing helps you reach those areas in your mouth that brushing alone won’t. Besides, it can prevent both tooth decay and gum disease.
Finally, visit a qualified orthodontist if you feel uncomfortable when biting or have pain in your jaws. Orthodontics is not about aesthetics. It’s about proper biting patterns and having enough space in your mouth for your teeth to function properly.
The Power of Sleep
Sleep is the most natural, most efficient way for the body to recover. Many things happen while we sleep, all beneficial to our health. One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is to neglect his sleep. If you have to choose between sleeping and working out, sleep. Working out will help you burn calories, lose weight, and feel better. Yet, without enough sleep, the muscles in your body will have no time to recover. The result is muscle deterioration and premature aging.
Whether it is eight hours or six, make sure your sleep is consistent and you do so in a proper environment. Don’t sleep on the couch unless you have to. Sleep on a comfortable mattress, in a dark room, surrounded by only a few electrical devices. Your body will thank you for it.
Healing and Meditation
Like sleep, mediation is a source of healing, both physically and emotionally. It is an opportunity for you to center yourself, focus on whom you are and what it is that you want. It is also a chance to rest, relax, and let go of the pressures of daily life. People who meditate are also less anxious and more optimistic.
You don’t have to be an expert yogi or a Tibetan monk to practice mediation. You don’t even need to study it or follow a set routine. Find a comfortable position, whatever that is for you, close your eyes, and focus on your breath for a few minutes. There’s nothing more to it. With time, you can incorporate other practices into your routine.
Health is not about drastic changes in your life. It’s about integrating straightforward, consistent routines. Three powerful ones are taking proper care of your oral hygiene, getting sufficient quality sleep, and taking the time to meditate for a few moments each day. These simple adjustments will have dramatic effects in the long-run, providing you with a better, happier life.
