Our health and wellbeing is an important aspect of our lives, yet it can often be difficult to fit in things and know what will bring the most long term benefits. Thankfully, there are some specific lifestyle choices that are pretty easy to integrate into your life that have added benefits that will do wonders for your overall wellness, even if you just choose one of them.
Dog Ownership
With 26% of the UK population owning a dog, it is clear they are a popular lifestyle choice. Other than the obvious benefits of companionship and cuddles, studies have shown that owning a dog can bring a whole host of unexpected health benefits. These include:
- Increased activity and overall fitness
- Weight loss and management
- Improved social life
- Reduction of stress
- Decreased chances of depressive episodes
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
If owning a dog is not something that you are in a position to commit to, there are other options like volunteering at your local animal rescue where you can reap the benefits of time spent outside walking with a furry friend, without the financial and responsibility commitments.
Vegan Diet
Many individuals choose this diet for a number of reasons. Often it can be due to the environmental impacts and the cruelty associated with the production of meat and its by-products. However, there are many health benefits which are often over looked, including:
- Improved nutritional intake
- Increased protection from certain diseases
- Decreased risk of common diseases
- Improved organ function
- Weight loss and management
- Reduced arthritic pain
Owning a Hot Tub
Purchasing a hot tub is often viewed as an item for entertainment and parties. Whilst this is one benefit, after all socialising is good for you, investing in one could be a great way to boost your overall wellbeing. In reality hot tubs have a whole host of health benefits that many aren’t aware of. These include:
- Stress relief
- Decrease pain from arthritis
- Lower diabetic blood sugar levels
- Promotes weight loss
- Sleep more soundly
- Lowers blood pressure
Growing Fruit and Veg
Choosing to grow your own fruit and veg, not only gives you an abundance of tasty, fresh, organic produce at a low cost, but also has other health benefits. When you think about it, you will be spending more time outside in nature and it does take some physical work to maintain, all of which are good for both your mind and body. Other benefits include:
- Promotes activity to aid weight loss and maintenance
- Improved body and muscle tone
- Increased nutritional intake
- Increased happiness through feelings of pride and achievement
Personal Development
Those who invest in furthering their learning and education in adulthood, tend to report increased happiness. This might be attending a course or perhaps just reading a book or watching videos. Doing something that stretches you or takes you outside your comfort zone can be a great place to start. If you really want to improve your overall happiness, choosing one thing a month that challenges you can add much value to your mental health. For example; those who attended a personal development course reported these benefits to their emotional wellbeing:
- Increased self-awareness and understanding
- A sense of direction and purpose
- Improved focus and motivation
- Greater resilience
- Improve relationships with others
Creative Pursuits
When we engage in creative activities, you just feel good. If you enjoy being creative, yet find yourself lacking in this area of your life, you may wish to consider doing something to ignite your passion. Those who join group activities or learn a new craft or hobby often report feeling much happier and more fulfilled. Creative activities can be anything from craft, art, dancing, singing, acting, photography, design, writing, playing an instrument, anything that engages your ability to express yourself via a certain medium. The health benefits include:
- Elevated positive feelings
- Increased happiness
- Heightened problem solving ability
- Decreased stress levels
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