- Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and mental clarity; aim for 7-9 hours per night.
- Mental health is just as important as physical well-being; watch out for signs indicating a need for additional support.
- Good dental hygiene is vital to preventing cavities, gum disease, or worse; brush & floss regularly and schedule check-ups.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol to maintain oral health; tooth replacement can be considered in severe cases.
- All aspects of holistic health should be considered for optimal physical and mental well-being.
Most people associate health with only exercise and nutrition because these are the health components most often discussed in popular media. People see diet and fitness advice constantly, from magazine covers to advertisements and influencers on social media. Moreover, studies have shown that over 75% of Americans believe that their physical health defines overall health, meaning most people will only focus on those two components.
This focus on physical well-being can also be seen in the healthcare system. Health insurance plans commonly cover preventative care such as check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings but mental health services are typically not provided. According to a 2017 survey of 157 employers offering healthcare plans, only 63% provided coverage for mental health services, significantly lower than the 86% offering dental coverage. This discrepancy in coverage sends a message that physical health is more important than mental well-being.
Plenty of other aspects are related to overall health beyond exercise and nutrition. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about being truly healthy:
Adequate Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. When people sleep, the body can restore itself and repair any damage done during the day. In addition to physical rest, the brain also uses this time to solidify memories and form new connections. Quality sleep can positively impact mental clarity, concentration, creativity, mood, and decision-making – all essential aspects of holistic health.
It’s recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. However, a lack of sleep can interfere with physical and mental functioning. Poor quality or inadequate sleep can lead to chronic fatigue, affecting an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities such as work or exercise. It also increases the risk of developing severe medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Getting enough quality rest is one key component to achieving optimal overall health. To ensure you’re getting enough restful slumber each night, be sure to go to bed at the same time each night and avoid screens or bright lights before bedtime; these things stimulate your brain, which could make it harder for you to fall asleep quickly.
Mental Health
Mental health is just as crucial to overall health as physical wellness. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being; it impacts how we think, feels, and act in our day-to-day lives. Mental illness can affect anyone at any age or stage of life, but mental conditions are often treatable with the help of a qualified professional.
When considering their mental health, individuals should look honestly at how they feel mentally and emotionally. Some warning signs that you may need additional support include increased feelings of sadness or anxiety, changes in your eating habits or sleep patterns (either too much or too little), difficulty focusing on tasks, becoming easily overwhelmed by everyday activities, difficulty controlling anger or other emotions, and changes in your relationships with family or friends. If any warning signs are present, seeking professional help is essential.
Dental Health
Having good dental hygiene is essential for both physical and mental health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to severe problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and even serious infections. Dental conditions may cause discomfort, pain, and bad breath; in some cases, they can lead to more severe illnesses such as heart disease or stroke. Additionally, poor oral health has been linked with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Thus, taking care of your teeth and keeping them healthy is essential.
Brushing & Flossing
Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily is the most basic way to care for your teeth. It helps remove food particles that could otherwise build into cavities or other issues over time. When brushing your teeth, make sure to use fluoride toothpaste as this helps prevent decay and protect the enamel from acid attacks. Additionally, avoid brushing too hard, as this can damage the enamel on your teeth.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Regular visits to the dentist are essential to maintain proper dental health. Visiting the dentist at least once every six months allows for professional cleaning and early detection of potential problems like cavities or gum disease that may not be evident during routine brushing. This will help treat conditions quickly before they become more severe or cause discomfort.
Avoid Smoking & Drinking Alcohol
Smoking cigarettes has been linked with an increased risk for complications such as gum disease, tooth discoloration, and mouth lesions, among others; drinking alcohol can similarly increase the risk for these issues due to dehydration caused by alcohol consumption leading to bacterial growth in the mouth. These practices should be avoided to maintain optimal oral health over time.
Get Tooth Replacement
Sometimes, tooth replacement is the only viable solution for a lasting solution. Options such as dental implants, dentures, and bridges can restore the aesthetic aspect of your smile and help maintain proper oral hygiene. Consult an experienced dentist to determine if a replacement tooth is right for you.
Final Thoughts
These aspects of health are often overlooked when discussing overall wellness. Still, they should be considered as important as exercise and nutrition to achieve optimal physical and mental health. Achieving balance across all components of holistic health will ensure that individuals live their best lives.
