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5 ways to prioritise your health today
First published: 23 January 2017
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Latoya GayleShare This
If you’re feeling low on energy, take a look at these 5 ways to prioritise your health today.
Would you consider missing a day at the office to attend a doctor’s appointment? According to a recent study published in the Digital Healthcare Review, more than 57 per cent of Brits have been unable to attend a GP consultation on at least once occasion due to work in the past year. Sacrificing health in favour of our careers is making us at risk of prolonging or worsening health conditions as a result of our warped perception of priorities. Push Doctor founder Eren Ozagir says that ‘most people would rather wait until they’re significantly ill to visit their GP, despite the recommendation of any life changes such as weight loss or change in mental performance requiring consultation.’ While accessibility as well as timing can often influence our decision whether or not to visit the doctor, there are a few ways we can prioritise our health every day before issues escalate. With a slow and steady decline certain if our health isn’t made a priority, making small lifestyle changes is crucial. Clinical director of The London Wellness Centre, Dr Joanna Lowry-Corry shares her healthy priority tips.
Sleep and wake up earlier
Making time for an adequate amount of sleep is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system. It also helps the body to cope with stress. To maximise performance both at work and in fitness, it is recommended to get at least seven hours of sleep per night, with minimal disruption. Try turning off all technology before you head to bed to avoid an uneasy sleep due to lighting or mental activity.
Eat little and often
Avoid skipping meals and maintain a healthy metabolism by eating little and often. This can help the body to not store calories through being unsure when it will next receive the nutrients it needs for optimal health, as well as subconsciously help you to make healthy food choices.
Relax your mind at regular intervals
Practise clearing your mind at regular intervals to unwind and boost concentration. For many, meditation can help to reassess priorities as well as help give a sense of calm.
Drink more water
Hydrating with a sufficient amount of water regularly is great for flushing toxins as well as aiding digestion. Boost your immune system naturally by upping your intake of water in replacement of drinking sugary drinks with no proven health benefit.
Plan a holiday
Give yourself time to clear your mind away from distractions and the daily stresses of work to avoid health issues further down the line. According to a recent study, the anticipation of a holiday can boost emotion levels, reducing symptoms of health issues such as depression and high blood pressure.