How to Improve Your Heath.
It is never too late and you are never too old to find ways of how to improve your health.
Hydration
- Drink more water, good hydration improves our overall health. If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. If you do not like water, then sugar-free squash or flavoured water are healthy alternatives. Tea and coffee are known for their diuretic qualities ( they make you need to pee) but better than not drinking enough. Aim for 2 litres per day which during Winter months you may find difficult. I know I do!
Sleep
- Sleep more. Good restorative sleep is vital to our health. Try to keep your bedroom cool under 18 degrees as this is a good temperature to promote good sleep. If you do use a mobile phone or iPad, don’t use it in bed as the ‘blue’ light from the screen often wakes people up. Try reading a book or listening to some calming music or audiobooks.
Smile
- SMILE more! A smile releases serotonin the feel-good chemical in our brains. Even if you feel you have little or nothing to smile about, just try the action of smiling. Even this can make you feel better. In the days of lockdown when we have no visitors and limited company, we have fewer reasons and fewer people to share a smile with. Just pretend!
Exercise
- Get some more exercise. Exercise is known to be good for the mind and body and will increase circulation and all-round well being. A little exercise is better than nothing and there is a range of exercises that can be done from an armchair, no need to be putting on the lycra unless you want to.
Rosie’s armchair exercises
Sunshine
Get a little sunshine. It is needed for the production of Vitamin D. Difficult in the winter months and lockdown but the sun really is the best way to get your daily dose of this important element. Plus the sun always makes people feel happier.
Fresh and Fibre.
Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. As people age and cooking becomes a chore they tend to eat a diet containing less fresh fruit and veg. Essential for vitamins and minerals as well as a great source of well-needed fibre more is needed. Adding pure smoothies to an elderly persons’ diet always helps. Frozen veggies are also an excellent alternative.
