By Jennifer McGregor

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed a breakout has popped up (and you just happen to be going through a stressful time)? Or you’ve had a headache you can’t seem to get rid of (but you can’t remember the last time you drank a glass of water)? These are examples of how everything that’s going on with your body, mind, spirit, skin… you name it, is all connected. This is why stress can show up on your skin or why dehydration gives you a headache. While none of us can eliminate all stressors, we can become aware of what our bodies need, and how simple habits help us meet those holistic health needs.

Make Workouts Exciting with Tech

Everyone knows that exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your body, but it isn’t always easy to stick to it. Whether you’re bored with your current routine or simply need a motivational boost, you (and your workouts) can benefit from a fitness tracker. Wearing this device during every workout is not only a simple habit, it can also be a vital tool for tracking your workout progress and monitoring your health.

If you’re not sure where to begin shopping for a fitness tracker, take a look at the Apple Watch Series. These smartwatches come fully equipped with fitness and health features including a GPS, ECG, and water resistance. If you’d prefer a Fitbit, the Charge 3 includes step tracking and sleep monitoring.

Get the Care You Need

Another basic health habit is to simply take stock of what’s going on with your body and mind. This is how you become aware of little things like when you need a glass of water, as well as when you should see a health practitioner. You may need to see your doctor, or you may benefit from massage, acupuncture, or other complementary therapies. And of course, getting the care you need should include skin care because your skin health can be an indicator of overall health.

Be sure to take a look at your healthcare coverage, too, because insurance benefits are crucial, not only for seeing your regular physician, but you may even have coverage for complementary therapies. For seniors who have Medicare Advantage, we recommend using the Silver Sneakers program, which provides free access to thousands of facilities around the country. You can take advantage of their exercise classes and equipment, attend social events, and hire personal training or massage services (for an additional fee). Contact your health insurance provider to see if your plan includes Silver Sneakers.

Take a Mental Health Time Out

One of the best ways to take a mental health time out is to take a vacation, but when a getaway isn’t in the cards, try taking a staycation instead. A staycation gives you the chance to get out of your day-to-day life so you can unwind and enjoy your hometown. Instead of staying in your own home, consider renting a place through a vacation rental site. Doing this makes it easy to pick the perfect vacation home in the area you want to explore. Look for other features that help you focus on wellness, too, like a fully equipped kitchen so you can try out some healthy recipes.

These bigger breaks are essential, but you can also take mini mental health breaks every day. With greater awareness of what you need, take the time to make it happen! If you’re feeling drained spiritually, PsychCentral recommends spending time in nature, or if you need time for introspection, spend a few minutes journaling. For the ultimate relaxation, soak in a hot bath with soothing essential oils like lavender or sandalwood.

Don’t Overlook Everyday Essentials

When you think about your overall health picture, it’s easy to focus on big goals and overlook, or even minimize, your basic needs. The problem is that failing to meet these basic needs can throw everything else off. Health blogger Holistic Glow lists sleep and hydration as the top two health habits to start right away. These are such simple tips – but they can be so hard to put into practice consistently. In some ways, it’s a matter of making them a priority, but it also helps to find hacks that make them easier, like trying fruit-infused water so that drinking is more of a pleasure.

Trying to meet all your health needs can feel unattainable when you shoot too high. This is why it’s so helpful to break down your goals into smaller healthy habits. When you do, you’ll notice how good it feels to take control of your well-being, and how simple choices can improve your holistic health – from the inside out.

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