Tips for staying healthy in Spain
Good healthy habits are essential to stay healthy in Spain. With them we not only help avoid short and long-term diseases but also improve our quality of life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, so we could say that being healthy or enjoying good health goes beyond a person suffering from any disease or pathology. But do you know how to stay healthy? If you don’t know, don’t worry! With these unmissable tips we will show you what habits you should include in your daily routine so that you stay in the peak of health.
Food and hydration
A balanced diet is very important to stay healthy. It not only helps to avoid diseases but also thanks to it we can develop many necessary benefits to keep our body, skin and hair healthy. It is very important that within your daily diet you include your “greens”, cereals, legumes, mushrooms, tubers, among other fruits and vegetables, in addition to proteins such as oily fish and white meats. Also, nuts such as almonds and walnuts provide many benefits to our body. Nuts usually contain Omega 3 that helps us improve our blood pressure. In addition, it is important that you consume foods rich in fibre. Eating your fruits and vegetables raw is another way to get the most out of them. Gone are the days of boiling your veggies to death – that’s no use to anyone. By reducing or avoiding the cooking time, youc an take full advantage of all their vitamins and minerals.
Try to reduce the amount of fried foods in your diet and choose to cook them steamed, grilled or baked instead. If you ARE going to fry some food, use olive oil. , it is also recommended that in your daily portions of fruits and vegetables you consume them in raw
We know we don’t really need to say it, but try to avoid processed foods, fast food and soft drinks and finally, try to select foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, B and iron, among others.
Staying hydrated is also essential to have a healthy life. Drinking water not only purifies our body, it also keeps us hydrated and helps us prevent diseases; therefore, drink plenty of water each day. It is important to mention that a good diet together with drinking enough water not only helps us to be healthy but we will also obtain many benefits to our our hair and skin.
Exercise!
Exercising helps us to stimulate the circulatory system of our body, improve blood flow and in turn, reduce our blood pressure and the chances of suffering from a cardiovascular problem. In addition, it helps us to work the circulation in our legs avoiding varicose veins and helping us with fluid retention. It can also help strengthen our bones, heart and lungs. In addition, it tones our muscles, increases self-esteem, relieves depression, increases our energy levels, helps us maintain a healthy weight. Avoiding being overweight also helps us to fall asleep better and in this way to give our bodies the rest time they need.
Being hygienic
Maintaining proper hygiene helps us avoid multiple health problems, such as: dermatological diseases, infections and dental problems. Likewise, the concept of hygiene does not only refer to personal hygiene, the environment that surrounds you such as your home or work is also important. Keep areas clean and disinfected. Although it seems obvious, hygiene is essential to keep us healthy.
Reduce your stress levels
High levels of stress can cause health problems such as: insomnia, upset stomachs, headaches, changes in your moods, hair loss or alopecia, anxiety and depression… so it is recommended that you practice relaxation exercises, meditation and stretching. Alternatively (or additionally) relax and exercise or practice a sport that you are passionate about.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential to stay healthy, since while we sleep our body releases hormones that help us fight some diseases. During our sleep time, our body relaxes, which helps the production of the hormones melatonin and serotonin which counteract the effect of adrenaline and cortisol hormones also known as stress hormones. Conversely, sleeping little or poorly can affect our immune and cognitive systems. If you can, try to get at least 8 hours a day and set a specific time to go to sleep (our bodies love routine). Make your bedroom a haven of peace and tranbquility. Monitor the room temperature and humidity, which should help you to settle better.
Don’t smoke and avoid alcohol
Before you say anything – yes we know we are a little hypocritical here. We smoke and we drink (albeit in moderation). We know it’s bad for you though, and so it’s a work in progress here at Spain Buddy.
Cigarette consumption can cause multiple diseases such as lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, strokes, heart attacks, among others. But that’s not all. Cigarette consumption not only causes disease, it also damages our hair and skin, so it is advisable not to consume it.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages can adversely affect many brain functions, emotions, critical thinking and judgment (however much fun it seems at the time). It can also cause liver, pancreas, esophagus, digestive tract diseases, cancer and damage to the myocardium and brain.
To stay healthy, follow all these super tips and apply them in your daily routine, remember that taking care of ourselves and our health helps us enjoy a good quality of life – and should help us live longer in this beautiful country we call home. Not only that, but you will look radiant with your clear skin and shint healthy hair.
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.
