All the Things You Can Do to Improve Your Health

I've had my fair share of unhealthy days like everyone else, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be for ourselves and our loved ones when we're not feeling our best.

As an avid reader and podcast listener, I've gained valuable insights on maintaining overall well-being, both physically and mentally. Here are some of the things I've learned recently:

Discovering the Joy of Walking & Staying Active

 

Embracing the beauty of nature

 

I have learned the importance of going out and walking, especially during lockdowns when we were mostly stuck at home. Even though I was still working out in my home, doing yoga and HIIT, it didn’t bring out the immense satisfaction that simply the act of walking in nature brings. It helps me have a better sleep and a calmer mind. I love exploring different landscapes and noticing the beauty of even the barren forests - all the empty gaps that will be filled with the onset of the next season. Walking is also easier for me as I have a partner who loves to walk with me.

Cold Showering: A Fresh Start

In 2017, I realized it was time to get to work after a long hiatus. The prospect of starting anew was daunting, however, Dr. Aziz Ghazipura's book, "Not Nice," inspired me to step out of my comfort zone, one step at a time. One of the ways I challenged myself was by adopting the practice of cold showers, which I started in 2018. 

Since then, I try not to skip a day. I won't pretend that it's easy; some days, I can only withstand ten seconds of icy water, while on others, I manage to endure for up to 90 seconds. It may feel like voluntary torture, however it gives me the courage to face the day and step outside my comfort zone.

Over the years, I've come to realize that the discomfort I experience during cold showers is often all in my head. While I'm not sure if I've seen any tangible health benefits, I do know that it's a great way to start my day and give myself that extra motivation kick. If you've never tried it, I encourage you to give it a go, right after your warm shower.

Embracing Global Cuisines and Nutrient Diversity

 

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a nutritious boost to every meal

 

As a foodie, I appreciate and enjoy different cuisines such as Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Korean, Indian, and Japanese. I enjoy having food with my partner and my friends – and sometimes just taking a bite alone. 

Eating a diverse range of vegetables and fruits helps diversify my nutrient profile and gut biome. At home, I mainly cook Indian food, but when I go out, I love to try something new to expand my nutrition profile. Trying different kinds of food brings different emotions and improves my relationship with food, leading to a happier and healthier us.

The Sweet Truth About Glucose Management

I did not know how important glucose is for our skin, cognitive abilities, and mood until I read the book “Glucose Revolution” by Jessie Inchauspé.

I always focus on eating lots of vegetables, not for my health, but because I love eating vegetables. She convinced me into following the order of eating vegetables, proteins, and carbs. 

I try to control my carb intake as much as possible and stay active after eating something sweet. 

I also control my intake of sweet beverages and alcohol. Adding lemon and vinegar to my food has helped me maintain healthy glucose levels.

I try to limit my fruit intake as well, due to their natural sugar content.

Gut Health and Microbiomes

 

My recommendations for a healthy gut

 

The past two years have seen an influx of information about the importance of gut biomes and how they affect our mood and cognitive abilities. I even got my microbiomes tested and was surprised by the low levels of lactobacillus in my digestive system.

Maintaining a healthy gut has been a priority in my diet, with a focus on prebiotic-rich foods like vegetables, lentils, and fiber. Recently, I learned about the benefits of probiotics and incorporated kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi into my daily meals. As an advocate for well-being, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and promoting the importance of lactobacillus. Although, I must admit, I often stumble over its pronunciation during these conversations.

Today, I make it a point to be mindful of my gut health, even when I travel and can't find fermented foods.One of my go-to solutions is consuming a small pack of yogurt.

If you're interested in learning more about your gut health, I recommend checking out the following sources:

Read and Listen for Better Health 

 

Can't imagine my day without this wonder!

 

Jen Sincero's book 'You're a Badass' emphasizes the importance of reading regularly to improve motivation. She compares motivation to muscles that need to be exercised regularly to stay strong. If you stop working out, your muscles will lose their tone and become flabby. The same applies to motivation; if you don't consistently read or listen to people talk about health, your motivation may decline. Whenever I read a book about health, I become more conscious about my health and strive to maintain good habits. On the other hand, when I'm not reading, I tend to become complacent. Therefore, reading and listening to people talk about health frequently keeps me more aware and motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Here are a few books I have read recently and I highly recommend:

Here are a few of my favorite podcasts:

The Power of a Supportive Health Community 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be tough, but having like-minded individuals in your corner can make all the difference. Sharing tips and tricks with friends who prioritize their health, and listening to inspiring health podcasts like the Huberman Lab, can keep you motivated on your own journey. Of course, we do indulge in cheat days every now and then - who doesn't love a good pizza or a slice of cake? It is all about what we do on most days, and on most days, we try to stay on track and prioritize our health.

Discovering my Purpose & Overcoming Uncertainty

There was a time when I felt lost and unsure of my role in life. But now that I have my work that brings me true joy and fulfillment, I feel happier and healthier overall. Small setbacks don't weigh on me as heavily, because I have a bigger purpose to focus on, which brings with it a sense of achievement.

“The Devil is In the Details”

 
 

Do you ever find yourself getting distracted from enjoying life by minor annoyances around you? Maybe it's a pesky light in the corner of your room or a misplaced printer. It's amazing how these seemingly insignificant things can have such a big impact on our overall happiness and well-being.

That's why I prioritize solving these small annoyances in my life. Whether it's addressing a small gesture I don't like about my partner or rearranging my house, every little change can make a difference. Simply moving my printer and plants to a different location has made my environment much calmer and happier.

Since we bought these IKEA lights, there have been no fights over the lights.

Eliminating minor annoyances can bring more peace and happiness to our daily routine. Take the time to address these minor inconveniences before they affect your overall well-being. Simple actions like decluttering, organizing, or leaving yourself a reminder can make a big difference.

Recommendations to Act Now

Simple Tips for Maximizing Sleep 

 

Elevate the ambience of your bedroom

 

As an event planner, my schedule can be chaotic, but there's one thing I prioritize above all else: sleep. Getting enough sleep is crucial to my well-being, and my loved ones are well aware of this fact. Despite my profession, I'm not a fan of late-night gatherings and always request guests to leave by 10 pm. 

So when my sleep started to suffer during a gut health phase, I knew I had to optimize everything to restore my routine .

If you want to know more about how to maximize sleep, please read our blog- Sleep Well for Better Productivity — Here are My Tips.

Recommendations to act now

The insights and knowledge I have shared with you are based on my personal experiences and learnings, but it's important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your lifestyle.

Slight changes can make a big difference in our health and overall well-being, so don't hesitate to take the first step towards a healthier and happier you.
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Health and LifestyleNistha Trehun