Health and Wellbeing

Expert reviewed on
December 13, 2023
Author(s)
Woman in sweater pours tea into a mug while sitting in bed stock photo

Health, as it relates to wellbeing, is not just the absence of disease or illness. There are many factors that contribute to health and wellbeing, including diet, activity, sleep, and how you manage emotions and stress.

Food

What you eat has a big impact on your health and wellbeing. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your mood and energy levels. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It is also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

Start eating better

Take charge of your diet and nutrition today.

How's your diet now?     Set a specific goal

Activity

Regular physical activity is another important part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your mood, sleep, and energy levels.

There are many benefits to regular physical activity, that include:

  • Weight loss or maintenance
  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
  • Improved mood and mental health
  • Better sleep
  • Increased energy levels
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Reduced stress levels

Enjoy some active benefits!

Start moving today.

How is your activity level?    Set a goal

 

How Much Exercise Do You Need?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can also do a combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.

Types of Exercise

There are many different types of exercise that you can do to improve your health and wellbeing. Some popular types of exercise include:

  • Aerobic exercise: This type of exercise gets your heart rate up and your blood flowing. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, running, swimming, biking, and dancing.
  • Strength training: This type of exercise helps to build muscle and strength. Examples of strength training exercises include lifting weights, doing push-ups and sit-ups, and using resistance bands.
  • Flexibility exercises: This type of exercise helps to improve your range of motion. Examples of flexibility exercises include yoga, tai chi, and Pilates.
  •  Balance exercises: This type of exercise helps to improve your balance and coordination. Examples of balance exercises include standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, and tai chi.
  • The best way to find an exercise routine that works for you is to experiment and find what you enjoy. There is no right or wrong answer, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. It is also important to find an exercise buddy or join a fitness class to help you stay motivated.

Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. By making exercise a part of your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for good health and wellbeing. When you don't get enough sleep, you may experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and an increased risk of accidents.

There are many benefits to getting enough sleep, that include:

Improved mood and cognitive function
Reduced stress levels
Increased energy levels
Improved immune function
Reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes

Get better sleep

Take charge of your sleep today.

How's your sleep now?     Set a specific goal

  

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

The amount of sleep you need varies depending on your age and lifestyle. However,  The CDC recommends that adults get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep

There are many things you can do to improve your sleep habits, including:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
  • Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
  • Get regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime.
  • See a doctor if you have trouble sleeping.
  • Getting enough sleep is essential for good health and wellbeing. By following these tips, you can improve your sleep habits and enjoy the many benefits of a good night's sleep.

Emotional health and stress management

Your emotional health and how you manage stress also have a big impact on your wellbeing. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems, it is important to seek professional help. There are also many things you can do to manage stress on your own, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones.

Thoughts, emotions, and stress are all important factors that contribute to our overall wellbeing. Our thoughts can affect our emotions, and our emotions can affect our physical health. Stress can also have a negative impact on our physical and mental health.

Thoughts, Emotions and Stress

Our thoughts can have a big impact on our emotions. When we have negative thoughts, we are more likely to experience negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, or anxiety. Due to these negative emotions, our bodies release stress hormones, which can lead to a variety of health problems, such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, and heart disease. On the other hand, when we have positive thoughts, we are more likely to experience positive emotions, such as happiness, joy, or peace.

There are a few things we can do to control our thoughts. One is to be aware of our thoughts and to challenge any negative thoughts that we have. We can also try to focus on positive thoughts and to cultivate a more positive outlook on life. Additionally, try expressing emotions in a healthy way.

Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, but too much stress can have a negative impact on our health. When we are stressed, our bodies release stress hormones, which can lead to a variety of health ailments.

There are a few things we can do to manage stress. One is to identify the things that are causing us stress and to try to reduce or eliminate them. We can also try to find healthy ways to cope with stress.

Master your own stress

Take charge of your wellbeing today.

How well do you cope now?    Set a specific goal

Here are some additional tips for managing thoughts, emotions, and stress:

  • Be mindful of your thoughts and emotions: Pay attention to what you are thinking and feeling, and try to identify any patterns.
  • Challenge negative thoughts: When you have a negative thought, ask yourself if it is really true. Are you catastrophizing the situation? Are you jumping to conclusions?
  • Focus on the positive: Make a conscious effort to focus on the positive aspects of your life. What are you grateful for? What are you good at?
  • Practice relaxation techniques: There are many different relaxation techniques that can help you manage stress. Some popular techniques include deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
  • Connect with others: Spending time with loved ones can help you feel supported and reduce stress.
  • Seek professional help: If you are struggling to manage your thoughts, emotions, or stress, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve your overall wellbeing. 

Health and wellbeing are closely linked. When you take care of your physical health, you are also taking care of your mental and emotional health. By making healthy choices about diet, activity, sleep, and stress management, you can improve your overall wellbeing and live a happier, healthier life