A person’s health is unquestionably the most critical aspect of their well-being. You can’t be happy, successful, or relaxed if your health isn’t good. In the end, investing in your health now will save you money in the long run while also allowing you to enjoy your retirement years more fully. While nothing can be guaranteed, you can always take steps to lessen your exposure to risk. You can do this in a variety of ways, so read on to find out more.
Actually Invest
You might think that when we talk about investing in your health, it’s a descriptive term or metaphor, and it doesn’t literally mean making an investment. Although this is true in some cases, in others, it really will mean making a monetary investment. Whether this is buying a gym membership, buying healthy, fresh food, or even using a cryptocurrency exchange so you’ve got money for the future should you need it, sometimes it is worth spending money on your health.
Take Digital Breaks
Our devices and screens are intended to tap into the brain’s reward system, stimulating the release of small doses of dopamine with each notification, leaving us hyperstimulated and drained. Getting away from screens on a regular basis can enhance mental and emotional health, improve sleep, and protect against the physical side effects of continual digital saturation, such as dry eyes and spinal instability from bending down over phones and laptops.
Having space and time when you are not disturbed and can be present in the flow is becoming more important as our digital lives permeate our work, home, and vacation places.
Meditate
Although prolonged sitting is harmful to your health, sitting still and focusing on your breath can be a powerful tool for improving your wellbeing, reducing stress, stimulating the vagus nerve (which impacts everything from the digestive process to heart rate), and encouraging improved decision-making and clearer thinking. Meditating for as little as 10 minutes per day might have major cognitive benefits: it increases memory, concentration, and creativity, as well as possibly lowering blood pressure and relieving anxiety.
Hydrate
Drinking more water is one of the fundamentals of do-it-yourself healthcare. Hydration aids the heart’s ability to pump blood to the muscles promotes good bowel movements and nourishes cells. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces each day, preferably from a filtered source to prevent toxins in your tap water from doing any harm to your body.
Move
We are built to move. Humans were up and active for more than eight hours a day a century ago. It’s now the other way around, and we’re spending those many hours sitting. According to one recent survey, one-quarter of Americans sit for over eight hours every day.
Sitting and seldom standing is bad for our health. Mobility keeps blood and lymph circulating and oxygen and nutrients delivered to our cells. Include movement in your everyday routine by getting out of your chair on a regular basis, or by utilizing a standing desk or a fitness ball that stimulates your core as you sit. When driving, park further away from your destination. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a walk in your lunch break to get away from your screen. All these little things can add up to something big when it comes to investing in our health.
Are Sleep Studies Covered by Insurance?
For instance, some insurance plans will require that you have a Home Sleep Test (HST) before they will cover an in-lab test (PSG). As HSTs are able to accurately diagnose 75% of patients with sleep apnea that has been properly screened by a physician, it often isn’t necessary for them to order the more expensive (albeit more accurate) PSG study.
A good night’s sleep is just as important as healthy food and regular exercise. Did you know that you spend nearly one-third of your life sleeping? So you better be good at it!
Good sleep is imperative for better health. If you fall short of sleep, your energy during the day, productivity, emotional balance, and weight all get affected.
If you want to sleep better, then you are in the right place. Call one of Alaska Sleep Clinic’s locations today, in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Soldotna, and Wasilla. Improve Your Sleep. Improve Your Life.
Alaska Sleep Clinic’s board-certified sleep specialists are ready to help you get the sleep you need.
