Tips for successful health

  Nearly everybody has experienced some level of stress and found a way to manage and change the way they are feeling. It is important that when you are experiencing stress, you find a way to calm yourself down to avoid it getting worse. Many people try to ignore or avoid stress and anxiety, but unfortunately, that is not a permanent alternative. Stress has a way of popping back up when you least expect it and in many different ways. It could affect you physically, mentally, and even socially. It is important that everybody finds a technique that works for them individually to live a stress-free life.

  We live in a life where it is common to depend on technology to the point where it consumes all our free time. It is important that we put the electronics down throughout the day and fill that time practicing physical activity. Aiming for 60-120 minutes of physical activity can result in so many benefits like a mental health boost, increased energy levels, improved cognitive function, and social connections. I love to get my physical activity by practicing basketball, softball, or hiking. It is not difficult; we just need to learn how to take electronic breaks.  

  Breathing exercises are my favorite technique to reduce stress when I am having a bad day. It allows me to take a couple of minutes to relax my mind and body. There are many benefits to breathing exercises, such as stress reduction, improved focus, improved physical health, and mindfulness. Some breathing exercises I recently tried and found helpful are candlestick breathing, belly breathing, and box breathing. Focusing on your breathing for just 5 minutes a day can hold so many benefits.  

 One thing most school-aged kids learn is that you are supposed to drink 8 cups of water every day to meet general health recommendations. Something teachers do not teach is that recommended water consumption is based on age, weight, activity levels, and any health conditions. Some medications cause people to intake more water than normal, and other health conditions can cause this too. On average, men should drink 15 cups, women should drink 11 cups, pregnant and breastfeeding women range from 10-12 cups, and children should drink between 6-8 cups of water. Water intake could also be effected by environmental factors, for example, if one lives in a hot and humid environment, they should drink more water. It is important to remember to stay hydrated!