The Best Things You Can Do For Your Body Right Now

Hydrate

The body is a magnificent tool that is constantly changing and adapting. There are several practices and routines associated with optimal health and body function.

Water consumption should occur throughout the day. Include water in daily routines by drinking a glass upon waking, while working, with meals, and after exercise. Drink at least 64 fluid ounces of water each day.

Sit Up Straight

Water is used in almost every metabolic process in the body. Composed mostly of water (55-70%), the body requires hydration to function. The body loses water through perspiration, urine, and breathing. The urine color test can be used to determine body hydration status. Urine should look clear with a hint of yellow, similar to the shade of lemonade. The darker the urine color, the lower the hydration status.

Awareness of posture is the first step towards improvement. Elongating the spine prevents back problems and chronic pain. Avoid slouching at the computer to prevent placing pressure on the lower back and neck.

Slouching also prevents adequate blood flow to the brain which can impair productivity. Improving posture is good for bone health and mental clarity. Try different ergonomic devices. Sitting on a stability ball instead of a chair or wearing a chest brace to pull the shoulders back can prevent strain.

Floss

Flossing is one of the most effective methods of ensuring a healthy mouth. It helps remove bacteria and other pathogens from between the teeth. This stops harmful molecules from getting into the bloodstream and spreading throughoutthe body.

Dental health is paramount to whole body health as the mouth is part of thebody's circulatory system. Ridding the mouth of these harmful microbes also prevents gum disease and tooth decay.

Exercise

Exercise challenges the body to adapt and improve. It provides physical and emotional benefits.Plan on exercising for at least 30 minutes a minimum of four days of the week.

Exercise should be uncomfortable, but not painful. Perspiration and increased heart rate are signs of a moderate to high-intensity workout session. If a workout does not result in these signs, then it may not be challenging enough to produce benefits.

Sleep For Eight Hours A Night

Sleep is necessary for body function. Cognitive and physical performance decrease with too little sleep. Sleeping less than 8 hours per night is associated with increased body weight, irregular metabolism, and decreased mood. Memory, emotions, and immunity are affected by sleep. Increasing nightly sleep duration to eight hours will lead to multiple health benefits and improved body performance.

Get into a routine of setting sleep times and preparing for sleep. The sleep environment should be dark and cool. Practice calming activities and use dim lights one to two hours prior to sleep. Most importantly, go to sleep immediately upon feeling tired.

Stretch

Take a moment to stretch. Performing light stretches increases blood flow to the muscles and joints preventing injury from repetitive movements. Stretching also improves flexibility and allows the body and brain to get practice communicating with each other. Stretching also enhances body awareness which is essential to good health.

Stretch upon waking to increase blood flow to the body. Stretch after long periods of inactivity. Light stretching can be performed at any time. Save deep stretching for after exercise. To prevent injury, warm up the muscles before doing deep stretching.

Groom

Go beyond the typical quick shower and really take some time to groom yourself. The body needs constant maintenance and attention. Stop neglecting and pay special attention to all aspects of the body.

Not sure where to start? Think of all those places on the body that get the pushed aside in your typical grooming routines such as your toenails, rough knees, cuticles, ears, face, etc. Moisturize skin, cut fingernails, and pumice heel calluses. Spend some extra time on your body and see the immediate rewards.