Why You Should Start Taking Care of Your Body Right Now

At some point in a person’s life, they’ve likely uttered the phrase, “I’ll take care of it tomorrow.” While this isn’t always a bad thing, it can be if you continue to allow yourself to say it. This phrase, or variations of it, is one of the most overused excuses regarding physical health, and we’d like to try to put a stop to it.

That’s why we’ve put together this brief guide going over why you should start taking care of your body right now. We hope it’ll help inspire people to stop putting off their physical health needs and begin making changes today.

It’ll Make a Difference Instantly

One of the main things people say to try to inspire others to work out and eat healthier is that it’ll help them once they’re older. While there’s some truth to that, it’s usually not something that’ll help inspire a young person. That’s why everyone needs to know that making these lifestyle changes will help them feel better right now.

Regular exercise and consumption of healthier foods can almost instantly help a person feel more energetic. Too many young people feel way worse than they should at their age, and much of that comes from eating poorly and sitting inside all day. Making the change now could reverse some of those feelings almost overnight, but even if it doesn’t, remaining consistent will show real results.

It’ll Help Your Mental Health

While immediate improvements on the physical side are nice, the mental side is just as important. Fortunately, taking care of your body will help your mind as well. People who don’t get outside and who practice a poor diet tend to feel worse and more stressed than those who do the opposite.

We saw a lot of this during the pandemic. However, when restrictions loosened up, the people who got back out there and became more physical again shook the pandemic blues much quicker than those who stayed inside.

It’ll Benefit You in the Future

Even though looking into the future shouldn’t be the driving force behind why a person should start taking care of their body right now, it’s still an important thing to note. People have to deal with enough complications as they age. A good example is the potential urinary changes you should prepare for as you age. Many of these occur regardless of how physically healthy you are.

Since some problems are inevitable, making a change that slows down or stops the preventable ones should be your top priority. While you can’t guarantee perfect health in your old age, you can avoid many complications if you start caring for yourself today.

 

admin @ Inspire Your Journey

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Things You’re Doing That Can Harm Your Health

Health and wellness are topics that continue to grow more into mainstream awareness. We see the latest superfood or workout that promises to change our life. However, it’s important to know that the little choices you make every day are the greatest significators of your long-term health. Now, whether those choices are good for you or not is the question. That’s why you’ll want to find out some things you might be doing that harm your health.

Sugary Pick-Me-Ups

Every one of us can sympathize with the treacherous afternoon slump when at work. With only a couple of hours left in the workday, you’d do just about anything to get through it. That’s why a sugary snack is a go-to for many of us. However, if you constantly opt for candy or a processed snack, you end up consuming excessive amounts of sugar, which can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes. Try to switch it up and opt for a fruit that satisfies your sweet tooth but also contains fiber to aid in slower digestion.

Constant Late Nights

Of course, a couple of late nights here and there are OK, especially when spent in the company of friends. However, it’s important that you don’t make these late nights a normal thing, as it can significantly harm your health.

A good night’s sleep is one of the most crucial habits that can improve your heart health and longevity. If you get inconsistent sleep, your body doesn’t have the proper time to regulate your blood pressure, which leads to a higher likelihood of heart disease and stroke.

Staying Stationary

It makes sense that all you want to do is sit down and relax, but this is one of those unlikely habits you’re doing that can harm your health. This is especially harmful if you already have a sedentary lifestyle. That is likely if you work at a desk eight hours a day. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to heightened blood pressure, excessive body fat, and high cholesterol levels. Try to stand up every hour, go for a walk on your break, or purchase a standing desk so that you can stand and do some work.

 

admin @ Inspire Your Journey

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3 Common Cold Weather Skin Issues and How To Prevent Them

Cold weather pushes people to spend more time indoors, but with the right preparation, you can stay physically active outside. Proper protection goes beyond bundling up to keep warm. Read on to learn about three common cold weather skin issues and how to prevent them.

Windburn

Exposure to low temperatures and strong wind causes a painful skin condition called windburn. The low temperature and low humidity level strip your skin’s natural oils, and you can end up with dry, red, and flaky skin.

Without the protective barrier of sebum—the oil your body produces for moisturization—your skin is more exposed to the elements. The increased interaction with irritating conditions leads to more dryness and inflammation, and you can experience blisters, peeling, and high sensitivity to touch in severe cases.

People with psoriasis, eczema, and other preexisting skin conditions have a higher risk of developing windburn, but everyone should properly protect their skin. Use a gentle cleanser and apply ample moisturizer throughout the day. Central heating reduces moisture in the air, so use a humidifier whenever possible.

Sunburn

Another preventable cold weather skin issue is sunburn. While many people don’t think about dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays when the temperatures are low, you should take steps to stop sunburn from developing.

UV radiation is a type of energy the sun produces, and it’s the main cause of skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV causes sunburn and damage to the skin’s elastin.

Just as you would during the sunniest times of the year, wear sunscreen and apply it as the manufacturer instructs. Sunscreen is labeled with a sun protection factor (SPF), which measures how well it will protect your skin from the UVB rays that cause sunburns. No sunscreen can block 100 percent of UVB rays, but dermatologists broadly recommend people wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.

At higher altitudes, UV rays penetrate the thin atmosphere more easily, and snow reflects the sun’s rays, increasing your exposure to UV radiation. Therefore, wearing sunscreen is one of the top ways to avoid sunburn on a ski vacation.

Winter Acne

Winter acne is a seasonal form of acne, an inflammatory skin condition. Pores can become clogged with oil and dead skin cells and produce blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. People are more likely to develop winter acne when temperatures remain at or below freezing for several days in a row and humidity levels are very low.

Cold and dry air strips moisture from the skin; in response, the body produces more sebum. Overproduction of sebum can create a buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria, potentially leading to acne.

People with acne-prone skin are most likely to experience winter breakouts, but they can happen to anyone. Avoid washing your face more than twice daily since cleaning removes moisture, especially if you use hot water. Dermatologists recommend using a few layers of light moisturizers rather than thick, cream-based moisturizers to avoid winter acne.

 

admin @ Inspire Your Journey

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4 Reasons Why Your Body Aches After You Sleep

Despite what the marketing geniuses for milk had to say, sleep is what actually does the body good. Ideally, it would help if you woke up refreshed and rejuvenated to take on the day, but sometimes, that feeling doesn’t come to us. Recognizing these four reasons why your body aches after you sleep can nip the problem in the bud before it becomes a bigger problem.

You Have an Undiagnosed Sleeping Disorder

One of the most vexing issues about waking up in aches and pains is that you could have a sleeping disorder flying under the radar. Sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent disorders that cause major concerns, considering it stops your breathing patterns.

As you sleep, your body requires oxygen to heal itself. Thus, if you wake up in pain, the odds are you’re not getting the necessary oxygen. A sleep study is an absolute must if this is what you fear is happening. You will learn what’s happening while you sleep, and medical professionals can develop a course of action that keeps you safe and healthy.

Underlying Medical Conditions Wreak Havoc

A sleeping disorder may very well be the culprit of your achy body. However, several underlying medical conditions may also explain why it feels like you were in a fight the night before. Something temporary like the cold or flu will have a detrimental effect, particularly if you aren’t drinking enough water and dehydration sets in.

Also, serious and chronic illnesses could be more of a factor than anticipated. Conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, and multiple sclerosis may cause these pains to flare up without warning. Investing in a massage chair can be useful if the pain is inconsistent and sporadic. Plopping in the chair to get a full-body massage is a great way to ease the body and mind to get some quality z’s.

Your Sleeping Position

When you wake up, your body may hurt because of your sleeping position. Everyone has a distinct preferred sleeping position; generally, sleeping on your side is best. Side sleeping helps people suffering from one of those sleeping disorders we mentioned earlier. Additionally, pregnant women and those suffering from acid reflux can benefit from sleeping on their side.

If you are unsure if your sleeping position makes your body uncomfortable when you wake up, consult a doctor to get to the bottom of it. They can determine if you’re on the mend because of how you sleep or if it’s something more severe.

You’re Sleeping on a Bad Mattress

Needing a new mattress is the most common yet easily fixable problem for your body. Our mattress is easy to overlook on the list of things we need to upgrade, but it’s arguably the most important. There isn’t a piece of furniture we spend more time on than our mattress, so it’s vital that you don’t hesitate to find a new one if it’s causing issues. Mattresses can typically last seven to 10 years before they lose their luster. Therefore, if you’re sleeping on the same bed as when you were a teenager or can’t remember when you bought the mattress, you should act accordingly.

Understanding four reasons why your body aches after sleep highlight any red flags you should address. Sleep is an essential thing our body needs, and you don’t do yourself any favors if you suffer every time you wake up.

 

admin @ Inspire Your Journey

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What To Wear Hiking in the Fall To Stay Cozy

The weather is changing, but that doesn’t mean you must stop doing the outdoor activities you love. Hiking in the fall is a blast! Looking at the beautiful fall foliage as you feel the crisp air is a wonderful feeling everyone should experience at least once. However, if you’re not wearing the right clothes, you can find yourself uncomfortable and chilly the entire time—talk about misery.

During the fall months, the weather is temperamental, meaning it could be sunny one minute and dreary the next. The key to Fall hiking is to prepare for any weather change by mastering the art of layering to keep yourself cool, dry, and warm. Let’s break down what to wear when hiking in the fall, so you stay warm and cozy.

Layering Is Key

When hiking, the key is to wear lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking fabrics. You’ll want to avoid materials that retain moisture, such as cotton because it can make you cold. Your hiking clothes should be insulated, warm, comfortable, and stylish! Layering your clothing will help regulate your body temperature to prevent overheating or becoming hypothermic. Below are the athleisure essentials you’ll need for your next hiking trip.

Base Layer

When shopping for hiking gear, think breathable but warm. Your base layer is the building block of your fall hiking outfit. Start with the following core items the next time you hit the hiking trail:

  • Short sleeve polyester t-shirt
  • Breathable but warm leggings

Mid-Layer

The mid-layer should provide insulation and coverage but still be lightweight. You don’t want to overheat while hiking. Try to stick with insulated fabrics when putting together this layer of clothing, think:

  • Long sleeve top
  • Quarter-zip pullover

Outer Layer

Now, this is where you can have fun! Just because you’re hiking doesn’t mean you can’t show off your personal style! Show off your style with colorful hoodies or rain jackets! Feel good and look even better with the following outer layer suggestions:

  • Insulated vest
  • Insulated hoodie
  • Rain jacket

Bring These Accessories Along

We must protect ourselves differently when the weather changes from hot to cool. You should still protect your skin from burning in the sun by wearing sunscreen and a hat, but the accessories below will help you keep your entire body warm from head to toe:

  • Outdoor gloves
  • Beanie
  • Neck gaiter

Keep Your Feet Warm, Too

When hiking, it’s imperative you have the proper foot gear and socks. Your feet will take you on this journey, so it’s important that you protect them with the following:

  • Wool socks
  • Waterproof Hiking boots
  • Hiking sneakers

Hiking is such a rewarding experience. Throughout your journey, you’ll learn more about yourself and the world surrounding you. Listen to the birds sing and watch the leaves change colors while hiking in your athleisure essentials. Stay cozy this fall season by wearing the appropriate hiking clothing.

 

admin @ Inspire Your Journey

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Urinary Problems You Should Look Out For

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No matter how hard you try to remain in good health, certain parts of the body can experience medical issues that are out of your control. One such area is the urinary tract. Fortunately, you can take steps to fix these issues, but before you can do that, you need to be aware of them. That’s why we’re taking the time to cover some of the more common urinary problems you should look out for, regardless of your age.

Sudden or Frequent Urges To Urinate

If you regularly experience the sudden need to urinate or go more often than you should, you could be experiencing an overactive bladder or urinary incontinence. While both issues are fairly easy to fix, especially in younger individuals, the problem with them is the fact that most people don’t address the issue when they have it.

Incontinence, in particular, goes undiagnosed quite often. Some of this is due to the fact that a few of the primary types of incontinence aren’t that bad, but if any of them are left untreated, they will eventually get worse. That’s why it’s not a bad idea to track how often you use the restroom during the day or pay attention to how sudden the need to urinate is for you.

Any Form of Pain When Urinating

If you experience any sort of pain when urinating, chances are that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). This problem is much more important to deal with right away. If it spreads to your bladder or kidneys, it can cause permanent damage to your body. Most of the time, antibiotics will remedy this issue, but if they don’t, you could have interstitial cystitis on top of it, which also affects the bladder.

Bloody or Cloudy Urine

Out of all the urinary problems you should look out for, bloody or cloudy urine are some of the most obvious symptoms you’ll come across. Blood in the urine isn’t very common, but most of the time, it occurs when you exercise or engage in sexual activity too vigorously. If that’s not the cause, then it’s likely something much more serious, like kidney or bladder cancer.

If your urine is cloudier than normal, this is probably a symptom of having too much alkaline in your system, which is a cause of too much acidity in your kidneys. This is common if you’re dehydrated but can also occur if you have an infection or kidney leakage.

Pain or Discomfort in the Abdomen

Not all problems come directly from the urinary tract, though. Something else to be aware of is any pain or discomfort in your abdominal area. While this could be the cause of any number of problems, if you’ve been having some of these other issues lately, it could mean you have kidney stones. While tiny ones might not cause a person too many problems, these stones can cause a lot of pain. If this happens to you, you’ll want to seek medical attention immediately.

 

admin @ Inspire Your Journey

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The Top 3 Tips for Sleeping With Back Pain

Living your best life means keeping your health in order. A cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle is adequate sleep, but getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging if you suffer from occasional back pain. With this in mind, here are our top three tips for sleeping with back pain.

Try Out Different Positions

When it comes to sleep, one size does not fit all. There are many different sleeping positions that could help you if you’re experiencing back pain. For instance, sleeping in the fetal position might relieve tension on the spine. However, you might want to switch sides every other night or so to prevent that side of your body from getting sore. Using an extra pillow for support can benefit your sleep as well.

No matter which position works best for you, as long as it helps you sleep and doesn’t put any significant strain on your body, it will help you feel better when you wake up.

Line Up Your Linens

If your back is sensitive, you can probably feel every crease and indentation in your linens when you lie down. These distractions could have significant effects on your sleep quality. Therefore, you should make sure that your mattress cover, bedsheets, and duvet cover are all lined up so that you feel completely relaxed when you’re under the covers. In addition, you might want to check your bed frame to make sure it’s straight. If your bed frame leans to one side, the long-term effects on your back could be painful.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Proper sleep hygiene is beneficial whether you have back problems or not. Sleep hygiene refers to the way we approach our sleeping routines. It could include creating the perfect environment for sleep, going to sleep consistently at the same time each night, and minimizing exposure to harsh light before bedtime.

Overall, suffering from acute or chronic back pain can make even the simplest tasks difficult. Now that you know our top three tips for sleeping with back pain, you can finally get back to living the life you love.

 

Authored by admin @ Inspire Your Journey

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Common Reasons Why You’re Experiencing Insomnia

Millions of people deal with insomnia every night, making it tough for them to fall and stay asleep. If you can’t fall asleep or go back to sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night, you should know that treatment options are available.

However, before you can proceed with treatment, you need to learn why you have insomnia in the first place. Learn about some common reasons why you’re experiencing insomnia.

Stress

One of the most common reasons why people have trouble falling asleep is that they’re thinking about things that cause stress in their life. Some examples include work, school, money, or family issues, which can keep your mind occupied and make sleeping more difficult.

If you have past trauma or notice that your life has gotten more stressful lately, seeking assistance from a therapist or psychologist might help you sleep better. Also, stress can manifest itself physically by creating tension throughout your body, which can cause inflammation. Reducing tension is one of the ways that massage chairs can help you fight insomnia at home.

Unusual Sleep Habits

Practicing poor sleeping habits can exacerbate symptoms of insomnia. For example, if you don’t follow a regular sleeping schedule, nap too frequently, or watch too many violent movies or TV shows before bad, it can make it harder for you to fall asleep.

Also, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or bed can make it more difficult to sleep deeply. Our minds work in mysterious ways, and if you eat, watch TV, or work in your bed, it makes it harder to sleep there, as your brain associates it with activity. When trying to sleep, start by putting away the video games, smartphone, and computer, so the lights from the screens don’t affect your sleep cycle.

Traveling

Your circadian rhythm acts as your internal clock, telling your body when to wake up and fall asleep. When your sleep-wake cycle is unbalanced, it affects many aspects of your life and can cause insomnia.

Traveling too often can make it harder to balance your circadian rhythm because of jet lag from going to a different time zone. Also, if you’re on a work trip, working earlier or later than normal can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.

Overall, insomnia doesn’t have to control your life. Now that you know a few of the common reasons why you’re experiencing insomnia, you can proceed with the treatment of your choice.

 

Authored by Inspire Your Journey

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5 Great Hobbies That Can Help Improve Brain Function

Sometimes, turning on the television and bingeing a show you’ve seen a million times just doesn’t cut it anymore. We all need to do things that enrich, rather than degrade, our mental well-being. For many people, this includes the hobbies they indulge in. Certain hobbies can provide the right kind of stimulation to keep our brains sharp and our moods in better places. This article will show you a few great hobbies that can help improve brain function, so you have more to consider the next time you get bored.

Playing an Instrument

It’s been proven time and again how beneficial playing a musical instrument can be, especially for developing children. But you don’t have to be a child to benefit from learning this skill. Playing an instrument has been shown to increase the size of your corpus callosum, or the band of nerves that connects both sides of your brain, and it leads to increased confidence and self-esteem as well.

Games and Puzzles

This may sound like a broad category, and that’s because it is. There are a ton of ways that play, even as an adult, benefits our mental well-being. Playing the right kinds of board games, puzzles, and even video games can lead to a healthier mind that can handle more information at any given time. Playing games engages the neuroplasticity of our brains and allows us to make new connections and expand our way of thinking.

Meditation

If you’d like to take up a hobby that improves brain function without investing tons of time and money, meditation may be perfect for you. Meditation has been shown to develop compassion—for yourself and others—in our brains. It also allows you to center your thoughts on the present, reducing anxiety about the past and future. Meditating for even a few minutes a day can help your brain create more calming and useful brain waves than you would experience when going about your day normally.

Reading

It should come as no surprise that reading books is good for your brain’s functions. Reading engages our brains at times when we would normally just let our minds wander off. It also contributes to the development of fluid, emotional, and crystallized intelligence by creating new neural pathways in the brain. Reading can also stimulate your imagination for creative pursuits and even improve long-term memory.

Learning a New Language

Did you know that it’s been proven that people who speak more than one language have more gray matter in the language centers of their brains? This extra gray matter also contributes to better memory and better reasoning skills. By learning a new language, you’re exercising your brain by constantly having it decipher and translate old information in a new way.

 

Authored by Inspire Your Journey

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