Science has proven the benefits of physical exercise time and time again. And these benefits aren’t restricted to improving strength or building muscle. In fact, physical activity can work wonders for the body (and the mind) in many ways.

For example, recent studies have further proven how an increase in physical activity can result in a decrease in anxiety. And this is just one of the many benefits of regular physical activity. Further, increased physical activity can also help to prevent minor illnesses such as heartburn and acid reflux.

We may all live fast-paced lives in 2022. But even though you might find yourself lacking the time to engage in any extra physical activity aside from your daily routine, even an extra half hour a day can work wonders for your overall health.

If you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle and help deter health problems, the following will explore a few ways you can meet these goals.

Proper Nutrition 

Without proper nutrition, you won’t be able to keep yourself healthy, and you won’t be able to engage in comprehensive physical activity. Correspondingly, you’ll also be less able to prevent illness and disease. And this can include everything from minor illnesses such as heartburn to major illnesses such as heart disease. 

For example, many heartburn sufferers have to take medications to help counter an overactive stomach that produces too much acid. And this is often the result of poor eating habits. Unfortunately, popular heartburn medications such as Zantac have been linked to cancer. And even though the signs of cancer may take a long time to develop, relying on these types of medications can be just as unhealthy as poor eating habits. 

In order to keep healthy, having a balanced diet is vital. And keeping a balanced diet requires incorporating seven essential factors which include the following:

• Carbs
• Protein 
• Fat 
• Fibers 
• Vitamins 
• Minerals 
• Water

Having a healthy mix of all the aforementioned will become the building blocks of a healthy diet. And once you’ve been able to incorporate proper nutrition into your life, you’re likely to begin seeing immediate results. 

Exercise 

Daily exercise helps to keep both your mind and body healthy. In fact, science has shown multiple links between a healthy mind and daily exercise. And this is because regular exercise increases the release of endorphins.

Additionally, daily exercise also helps to boost your immune system. And this is a human being’s line of defense for fighting off disease, infection, and illness. 

For example, if you’re the type who rarely exercises beyond walking to the refrigerator or the cupboard to find some junk food, you’re likely going to have a lowered immune response to infection and illness. But even incorporating as little as 30 minutes each day for exercise can have dramatic effects on your health and mood.

Studies have shown that those who exercise are also much more mentally healthy than those who don’t. And as mental health is related to overall health, it makes sense to spend a little time exercising if not just for keeping physically fit, but for keeping mentally fit as well.  

Regular Outdoor Activity 

Science has also proven that spending time outdoors is linked to your overall health as well. And this is because we receive a healthy amount of vitamins just from being exposed to fresh air and sunlight. 

The connection between health and the natural world shouldn’t come as a surprise at all. In fact, studies in recent years on those who work from home and spend most of their time indoors have found that anxiety levels and mental health have suffered as a result. 

Spending time outside, especially involved in outdoor sports or light to moderate exercise such as hiking, walking, running, biking, and the like can help decrease anxiety and boost your immune system. 

Further, spending time around moving water such as when fishing can also help to regulate mood and boost your immune system. And this is because moving water generates negative ions that are known to help relax the body and the mind. And the more you can do to reduce anxiety and regulate mood, the better off your immune system will be. 

The link between overall health and regular physical activity is largely considered as “slam dunk science.” And this basically means that the benefits you’ll gain from regular physical activity are more than obvious. So if you want to mitigate the occurrence of illness and infection, staying active and keeping fit are your best tools.