Studies show that you must be around 20 percent body fat, drink about 2 liters of water every day, and average about seven or eight hours of sleep each night to be considered healthy. Of course, these numbers can vary from person to person, and between different ages and genders. When you're not hitting any of these targets, however, how do you know when it's time to make a change?
Eating healthy is so much harder than it looks. A smoothie for breakfast, a sandwich in the afternoon, a well-balanced dinner, all seem achievable until your boss brings pizza into the break room and you're screwed (and elated all at the same time). Five slices later you've got one of the proudest food babies you could ever display and a guilty conscience. Diet starts tomorrow.
Following the basic food pyramid guidelines and eating everything in moderation is a good way to stay healthy and happy. It's really OK to indulge at times and treat yourself, but you have to be aware of the signs. Are you snacking between every meal, every day? Are you frequently restocking the Doritos and Yodels? Take time to notice your habits and curb the bad ones.
Also, are you even having "meals"? So many of us have such hectic and busy schedules that eating at the same time every day is not a possibility. Getting regular becomes impossible. Whether it's eating smaller portions every two or so hours, or sticking to the traditional three meals a day, nurturing a routine is pertinent. The same is true for sleep.
Pulling all-nighters is a very common and easy trap to fall into during the college years and beyond. Part-time work and class schedules have you bouncing around from 5 a.m. opening shifts to midday lectures, to closing shifts the rest of the week. It can be very unpredictable and hard to get that full eight hours in, and you really start to understand the term "beauty sleep".
An experiment recorded by TIME magazine concluded that pictures of sleep-deprived volunteers, taken during "the afternoon dip" or "siesta time" between 2-3 p.m., rated "less healthy looking, less fetching, and, obviously, more tired looking" than their counterparts who had received a full night's sleep. "Anyone who’s ever pulled an all-nighter knows that it’s no formula for good looks — the next day, you’re saddled with puffy, bloodshot eyes, dark circles and a wan complexion". The extended effects of sleep deprivation are even worse.
Along with a good night's sleep, your body also needs exercise. Being an athlete, exercise is just part of who I am. I do understand that it is not everyone's favorite outlet, though. Exercise releases endorphins, increases the heart rate, and strengthens your bones and muscles. It is a great way to control weight, reduce stress and anxiety, and decrease your risk of disease. Exercise not only looks great, but it feels great, too, no matter what level you start at.
If you feel that you don't have the time or energy for these tasks, the problem may be that you just haven't started! Making health and wellness a priority is paramount, both mentally and physically. As Gandhi allegedly once said, "Your health is your real wealth." Take the time to care for your bodies and, in turn, sharpen your minds.
