Investing in your health

Right now for many people, the world feels like an uncertain place, particularly with the cost of living spiralling. Whilst this might feel like a worrying time, and may be causing you high stress levels, there has never been a better time to invest in your health.

You might have heard the phrase before, but have you spent time truly thinking about what it really means to invest in your health? There are many ways this could be interpreted, but put simply, it means taking care of your health in a proactive way. Steps could include eating a balanced, nutritious diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep. By following a healthy lifestyle and doing everything in your power to decrease your risk of disease later in life, you're making a huge investment in your future. Invest wisely and you’re on the path to healthy ageing and a longer life span. There are multiple ways to invest your time and indeed your money, in your health and we are going to look at some of these in this article.

Food and nutrition

Investing in your health doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Take food, for example. Many of us are guilty of not planning ahead and for convenience, making multiple trips to the supermarket every week or relying on takeaways. According to recent data from KPMG, the amount of money Brits spend on takeaways has gone up 42% in the last three years to a whopping £641 a year. And whilst the odd takeaway here and there won’t break the bank, regular orders will soon start to make a dent in your finances. Not to mention the impact on your health.

Takeaways are typically higher in salt, refined sugar and saturated fats than food you prepare yourself. Meal planning is a fantastic way to break this cycle and ensure you’re eating nutritious meals that don’t break the bank. You can create them to match your tastes, budget and indeed your family’s needs. Plus if you cook in bulk you can always freeze portions for another meal, which will save you time. Try to make sure you add extra vegetables, herbs and spices to your meals for added flavour as well as making them more nutrient dense. You don’t always need to buy fresh vegetables, either. Often frozen or canned work just as well, they can be cheaper and easier to keep in the cupboard or freezer for emergency meals. For recipe inspiration head to sites like BBC Good Food or the NHS Healthier Families

Nutrients and supplements

We all know we need to aim for five (or more!) portions of fruit and vegetables per day but in reality how many of us are truly getting this amount? Busy lifestyles often get in the way of our best intentions, so how can you ensure that you’re still getting all the nutrients your body needs, in order to protect your long-term health and wellbeing? Taken alongside a healthy diet, supplements are a good way to get vital vitamins and minerals into your body. Used consistently, you’ll be maintaining the levels of key nutrients in your body and ensuring they stay topped up to keep you feeling healthy and strong.

A week’s worth of supplements can work out costing the same as the price of a cup of takeaway coffee; it’s fairly clear which is the better investment in your long-term health. Take vitamin D as an example. The NHS now recommends we take it all year round to support bones, muscles and teeth, as well as helping with the absorption of calcium. Opt for a highly bioavailable, or absorbable supplement and you’re not only investing in the future of your bone health but you also have peace of mind for as little as 30p a day.

Keep moving

Exercise is a great stress reliever so if you’re feeling low or anxious try to get out and get moving. Exercising can also release feel-good hormones known as endorphins, which can naturally help lift your mood. You don’t need to purchase expensive new equipment or sign up to a gym, there are lots of free workout classes available on sites such as YouTube. Or if you enjoy cycling (indoor or out) then you could pick up a second hand bike for a fraction of the cost of new. Even going for a brisk walk will have stress-relieving effects, not to mention improving your fitness levels if it becomes a habit. Download a funny podcast or your favourite songs to keep you motivated and interested during your exercise sessions.

The NHS recommends all adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity, which could include activities like running, walking, swimming, gardening, or cycling. Spread your activity out over your week, start to think of it as a part of your daily routine and remember that it’s a huge investment in your health. Even exercising once or twice a week can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Mood and your wellbeing

In times of stress or at various points in the year, especially winter, our mood can suffer. It's easy to become overwhelmed with negative thoughts when there is so much bleak news around us and the longer periods of darkness can make us feel like hibernating. However, it's really important to take proactive steps to help elevate your mood. Social connection, with friends, colleagues or family members is a really important way of keeping up your spirits. Maintain good relationships with others and you'll provide mutual emotional support, share positive news or stories, laugh together and build a sense of belonging. Why not arrange to have a walk with a friend, a catch up over a cup of coffee or even have a phone call with that friend you have been meaning to catch up with. The pandemic has left many people feeling isolated and lonely, so investing in your friendships and relationships is a fantastic way of letting your loved ones know you care.

If you find yourself with lots of free time then volunteering could be a great way to not only help your community, but invest in your own mental health. Research has shown that volunteering provides a 'feel good factor'. You might not feel brave enough to sign up for a shift at your local soup kitchen, but maybe you could think about supporting someone you know; perhaps shopping for someone less mobile or offering to walk their dog?

We know that it is a worrying time for many people just now. But by focusing on your health, creating and maintaining good healthy habits will set you up for success, even during some of the tougher times.