Being “healthy” can mean so many different things to different people. Believe it or not, it’s not just tied to physical appearance, although many people are quick to assume that it is. “Skinny” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthy and in the same breath, a high BMI doesn’t necessarily correlate to an unhealthy individual. There are a lot of factors that go into the determination of whether you are truly living a healthy life.
Whether it’s the food you consume, the amount of physical activity in your routine or the social activities you engage in, it all ties together. According to The World Health Organization (WHO) the word health is, “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,” and this includes the use of personal and social resources to ensure an individual can function throughout their everyday lives. In other words, if your body can effectively manage threats to your system (physically, mentally or emotionally), you are considered to be healthy. Keep in mind, health care providers are trained individuals that are equipped to evaluate every aspect of your health, but there are some general signs that indicate if you are in good health from a physical and mental perspective:
- You are eating a diet that is well-rounded and includes lots of whole foods.
2. You can effectively manage a full range of emotions. Too often, people think you have to be happy all the time. .
3. You have enough energy to get through your day and complete your daily to-do list.
4. You feel rested when you get up. If you’re hitting the pillow at night and you wake up feeling like you barely slept, there’s a concern there.
5. You include moderate exercise and movement into your daily routine.
