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Most people are naturally inclined to be overcritical about their health. And if you don’t criticize it, there is always someone questioning why you aren’t vegan, gluten-free, or other personal health decisions.
Well, while I am all for using sugar substitutes and eating whole foods, there are other ways to measure health than our nutrition and weight. To help give you some new health measurements, check out these six signs that show you are healthier than you think.
You Don’t Feel Constantly Fatigued
While you don’t have to be the energizer bunny, if you feel rested when you wake up, that can be a sign that you are healthy. Some people tend to skimp on their rest, but sleep plays an important part in our overall health. A few of the ways being properly rested can help your health are:
- Well-rested people tend to not overeat
- Lowers your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues
- Restorative sleep improves your immune system
- Your concentration and memory are improved with rest
A healthy adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep, and it is best if a regular sleep schedule is followed to maximize these benefits.
Your Heart Rate Is Always Spot On
While there are a number of factors which can influence your heart rate, in general, your resting heart rate should be between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). Also, the lower your heart rate, the better shape you are in, though it is best that it not be below 60 bpm unless you are an athlete.
Another heart rate indicator you can look for is how long it takes your heart rate to recover after you exercise. Everyone has an elevated heart rate after they exercise; however, for healthy individuals, their heart rate drops 20 bpm until it returns to normal.
Stairs Aren’t The Enemy
Now, plenty of people don’t enjoy taking the stairs if there is a faster method available. But a simple health indicator you can look for is if taking the stairs leaves you winded or not. If you still feel fine after a quick jaunt up a flight or two of stairs, you can take it as a sign that you are doing well.
Make Time Consistent Exercise
You don’t have to be a competitive athlete to be considered healthy. Making time for consistent exercise can help improve your health in many ways, such as:
- Improves your mood
- Assists with skin health
- Helps with achieving quality sleep
- Increases bone density and muscle mass
- Raises your energy level
Personally, I use my NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill to help me stick with my workout schedule. With it in my basement, I can pack in a workout whether I need to watch my children and avoid any bad weather.
Healthy Relationship With Food
Many people struggle with their relationship with food. If you have mastered eating when you are hungry and not beating yourself up when you decide to indulge, that is a great sign that you are far healthier than you think.
Those who don’t have a healthy relationship with food yet may benefit from practicing mindful eating, which helps reframe the food-body relationship. While I have never been diagnosed with an eating disorder, I have fallen into bad eating habits while in a training cycle, often restricting to improve my results. By being more mindful about my eating habits and learning to appreciate the food I am eating, I have been able to develop a healthier relationship with food.
Able To Keep Up With Kids
As the proud father of two awesome kids under 12 years old, it has been my ongoing mission to keep up with my children. So, if you are able to stick with your kids and can keep up with them during playtime and their endless misadventures, then you are definitely on the right track when it comes to your health.
If you didn’t score a perfect six on these health signs, it’s okay. Building up a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong, work in progress, and it is essential that you are kind to yourself as you work towards living the healthiest life possible for you.
Kevin Jones has mastered a busy lifestyle with work and fitness combined with family life. He writes offering solutions for cardio fitness as well as keeping families fit together by utilizing activities and diet. You can read more of Kevin‘s writings by connecting with him online; LinkedIn – Twitter
