“Busy” often feels like the modern-day mantra. Our schedules tend to be pretty full, between work, school, housework, and so forth, so the idea of adding a new regimen can sound impossible. However, with just a bit of pain-free tweaking, you can enjoy a happier, healthier life. Here are five easy ways to boost your health, brought to you by Mountain Medicine Integrative Wellness.

1. Tend health concerns

When life is busy, it can be easy to put off health-related appointments. However, getting to the doctor for routine wellness exams is a necessity. It’s a chance for your doctor to check risk factors, run tests, and review your clinical data. Along those same lines, oral health appears to be connected to overall health, so dental checkups can also play a key role in your wellness. Make and keep routine exams, and if you experience symptoms, there is no need to suffer. Discuss concerns with your physician and note many issues can be addressed naturally.

2. Settle down stress

Feeling frazzled, pressured, and pushed is no fun, but more and more, many of us struggle with stress. In fact, some experts refer to stress as the health epidemic of this century. Culturally, increased stress is felt to be linked to increases in many chronic health conditions and mental health concerns, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia.

If you’re feeling stressed, look for some effective and healthy coping methods. For instance, yoga and meditation are considered to be terrific stress-reducers. You can join a class, learn some poses, and then set up a home studio so you can practice when it fits into your schedule.

Exercise of any kind is a great way to alleviate stress in your life. As you age, finding an exercise program that works for you can be tricky. Fortunately, there are programs out there that are dedicated to helping seniors get their necessary exercise.

3. Bring a bottle

It’s something many of us don’t give much thought to, but drinking enough water is vital to your general wellness. CBHS Health Fund explains your body relies on proper hydration to perform vital functions, so when you aren’t consuming enough water it can be a strain on your organs. To amp up your water intake, consider bringing along a bottle when you’re out and about.

If you don’t like plain water, try adding a bit of citrus juice for flavor. To keep it cool, you can invest in a reusable water bottle, which will feel even better to drink from since it’s kinder to the environment than disposables. Also include foods in your diet which carry ample water, like fruits, yogurt, and soup.

4. Address gut health

When it comes to what you eat and drink, water consumption is only one part of the puzzle. It turns out a whole world lives in your digestive tract, called the “microbiome,” and it directly relates to diet and health. When your gut health gets off track, it can lead to several potential health issues, such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Make sure you eat a variety of vegetables and fruits at every meal, whole grains, and foods with probiotics such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and traditional buttermilk.

5. Spend time outdoors

We often refer to Mother Earth, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to call her “Doctor Earth.” As Business Insider explains, spending time in the great outdoors can provide important healing benefits. Simply getting outside regularly appears to lower blood pressure, improve memory function, reduce stress levels, lower inflammation, and raise energy levels. When the weather is agreeable, eat breakfast on your porch, take your workout to the local park, or walk around the block during your lunch break.

This is often easiest to do when at home. Unfortunately, where you live can dictate many of the opportunities you have for enjoying the outdoors. If you’ve considered looking for a new place, be sure to check out apartments for rent in Denver. You’re sure to find one that has great access to the outdoors nearby.

Even if “busy” is your mantra, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get routine exams, de-stress, stay hydrated, engage in healthy eating habits, and enjoy the outdoors. A little tweaking can go a long way toward improved health.

This article is brought to you by Mountain Medicine Integrative Wellness, where we believe it’s essential to invest in your health in order to enjoy a life full of joy, gratitude, and satisfaction. It’s this belief that guides our approach, including our services, teachings, and treatments. For more information about our services, contact us today!

Article written by Jason Lewis