According to the World Health Organization, one in four people worldwide are physically inactive, which puts them at greater risk for diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
You can improve your overall health greatly when you incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily life. Exercise is great for both the body and mind. It’s common knowledge that physical activity can burn fat and build muscle, but it also releases endorphins that help improve mood.
For activity inspiration, try an ASU Online virtual wellness program.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is a powerful tool that restores your mind and body. Adults should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Lack of adequate sleep can lead to daytime exhaustion, trouble focusing and changes in mood.
Curious if your sleep cycle is affecting your health? Take 360 Life Services' self-assessment.
Hydrate daily
Current recommendations tell us to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day, though this number depends on factors like physical activity and time spent outside. When your body is properly hydrated, benefits include improved cell and tissue function, lubrication of joints and removal of waste.
Manage your mental health
Stress is unavoidable. The ability to ask for help when you need it can better help you regulate your emotions and react in more positive ways. A mental health counselor can teach you coping skills to help you manage daily stresses and how you respond to them. Counseling support for Sun Devils is available 24/7.
For more tips for managing stress, check out our stress survival guide.
Practice proper nutrition
The things we put in our bodies play a major role in our well-being. Limiting the amount of refined sugars and processed foods can help aid in your wellness. When you eat a well-balanced diet, you help your body build a line of defense against illness. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nutrition is essential for maintaining wellness across the lifespan. A healthy diet helps children develop properly and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity. Adults who eat a healthy diet live longer and have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
