How true is the saying that “you never know the value of health until you begin to struggle with it!”
According to the World Health Organisation, over 60% of chronic diseases and illnesses are caused by lifestyle habits.
Think about it for a moment; if people changed a lot of their bad lifestyles, they would be a lot healthier today.
It’s 2023, a great year for you, one which holds a lot of value but only when you feel healthy.
Have you been sick recently? If yes, you must have noticed that at that point, nothing mattered except getting better – not your spouse, not your dreams, not even money, nothing. So, you’re going to make a resolution to be better, and to help with this, here are some of the best ways to keep healthy in 2023.
Eat real food
If you have formed the habit of eating junk foods like ice cream, popcorn, suya, hot dogs, pizza, samosa, spring rolls, cakes, chocolate and candy, you need to start eating real food. I’m not saying you should not spoil yourself with some of these meals every now and then – after all, I take them sometimes – but they should not be your primary meals. Focus on healthy foods like fruits, beans, yams, potatoes, vegetables, and a mix of healthy meals in a balanced way. This would cleanse your system with time, making sure you are healthy and strong all the time. Head over to the Iya magazine recipe section for healthy inspirations.
Exercise regularly
Exercising does not mean you have to be at the gym all day, every day. It is something that can be done anywhere. When you wake up, during your lunch breaks, after work etc. Prioritize exercise, and your body will thank you for it. If you do not exercise, you’re compromising your health drastically.
Get enough sleep
I’ve heard a lot of women say, “I barely get up to 4 hours of good sleep.” You’re slowly killing your body, to be honest. According to a Healthline article, good sleep helps with weight loss, improved heart health, proper stress management (an essential in Nigeria at the moment) and reduced risk of diabetes. This is why getting enough sleep is something you need by all means. Set priorities, get the work done and when it is time for rest, sleep. If you notice today, most people going to work in Lagos all doze off in buses because they have not gotten enough quality sleep. Avoid doing this to your body. Get enough sleep in 2023 — at least 8 hours daily.
Avoid worrying
If you want to be healthy in 2023, avoid worrying. A lot of us, Nigerian women especially, tend to worry a lot. According to a Lagos State Mental Health Survey conducted in 2017, women have a higher worry and depression rate than men. This year, you need to plan better and worry less – things fall in place for those who have a clear mind because this is the only time solutions arise.
5. Drink a lot of water
This factor cannot be overemphasised. We are mostly water, and we need water to keep the body from running dry – not alcohol, not fizzy drinks, just water. The average woman needs about 2.7 liters of water, and this is something you can consciously incorporate into your lifestyle. To make it easier, always have a water bottle with you.
