Healthy Living - BeWise Utah

World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Health refers to the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit. Healthy living involves many choices. Among them nutrition, physical activity, sleep, mindfulness, social support, mental health, healthy communication, and absence of disease are very important.

Sleep

Adults need 7 or more hours of sleep each night for the best health and well-being. Many people do not get the enough sleep and suffer from lack of sleep. Sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions. Getting enough good quality sleep is important to maintaining good health and avoiding other serious diseases. If you don’t get a good night’s sleep, the next day you may

Be irritable or moody
Have memory problems or be forgetful
Feel depressed
Have more falls or accidents

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to pay active, open attention to the present. It also means being aware of where we are and what we are doing both internally and in the external world around you. When you are mindful, you are not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you. You are fully present in the moment. You are paying attention to what is happening in your world at that particular moment without allowing distractions to take your focus elsewhere.

Physical Activity

Physical activity means any movement of the body that requires energy expenditure. Some of the forms of physical activity include walking, running, dancing, traveling, carrying on household chores, bicycling, exercise, vacuuming, swimming, water aerobics, tennis, soccer or golf, and engaging in recreational pursuits.

Nutrition

A healthy lifestyle involves many choices. Among them eating the diet that provides all the nutrients, is most important. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Social Support

Social support refers to the physical and emotional comfort given by family, friends, co-workers, and others. Emotional support is an important protective factor for dealing with life’s difficulties. Low levels of social support have been linked to increased risk of deaths from cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, and cancer.