Sleep: the third pillar of health

Sleep: the third pillar of health

A good night’s sleep is an essential ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. By making  sleep a priority and combining this with a balanced diet and regular exercise, you will improve your physical and mental wellbeing, and set yourself up for a long and happy life.

Sleep

During sleep our body rests and repairs. To give yourself the best chance of being mentally and physically ready for the next day it is important to get an adequate amount of sleep. With quality sleep you will be happier and better prepared to handle the challenges of the day. The amount of quality sleep actually required, varies for each individual but can be influenced by factors such age and health.

Exercise

A lot of people don’t see exercise as a priority, however some of its many benefits might help to change your mind.

Regular exercise decreases the risk of health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer and arthritis.

Exercise will improve your mood because it stimulates chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier and less stressed.

Regular exercise a few times a week can help you burn through extra energy that may otherwise inhibit your ability to get to sleep.

Diet

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the information about what you should or should not eat. The most important thing to remember is to consume whole foods such as vegetables, eggs, lean proteins, nuts and fruits. Oily, sugary and refined foods contain little to no benefits for your body. Stay away from processed foods such as packaged snacks and fast-foods, and see how much of a difference this makes to how you feel on a daily basis.