The 7th of April is the UN’s World Health Day, a day that reminds us of the importance of prioritising our well-being. Most of us know that things like regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep are important health boosters that keep our immune systems strong. But there are also other lesser-known factors that can have a surprisingly significant positive impact on your overall well-being.
Here are six ways you can improve your health that you may not have considered:
Social connections
While we often focus on things like diet and exercise, strong social connections are just as crucial for good health. Studies like this one from Harvard Health have shown that meaningful relationships can lower stress, reduce the risk of heart disease and even increase our life expectancy. Another Stanford Center of Longevity study found that social connection can help people maintain a healthy body mass index, manage blood sugar, improve cancer survival, decrease depressive symptoms, and improve overall mental health. If you’re feeling isolated or stuck, consider reaching out to an old friend or investing in a new hobby where you can meet other like-minded people. Besides the emotional rewards for this, there can also be a knock-on effect on your physical health.
Laughter: a natural medicine
We all know that laughter is a mood booster, but did you know it also strengthens your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces stress hormones? It also stimulates the release of endorphins, which are our “happy hormones” and natural painkillers and that can help alleviate discomfort and improve mental health. Incorporating more humour into your life—whether through comedy shows, funny books, or simply spending time with people who make you see things less seriously—can contribute to better physical and mental health.
Your home and work environment
The space where you live and work plays a bigger role in your health than you might think. Natural light, indoor plants and air quality are all things that can impact your mood, concentration and energy levels. More specifically, exposure to natural light regulates your circadian rhythm, which helps improve sleep quality and mental alertness. Indoor plants help purify the air by reducing indoor pollutants, which can lower the risk of respiratory issues. And a neat and clutter-free environment – especially in your office – can reduce stress and increase focus. These adjustments are also easy and inexpensive to do, such as creating a workspace that has more natural light, adding indoor plants to corners of a room and decluttering your drawers, cupboards and living area.
Hydration beyond water
We all know that staying hydrated is essential, but did you know that what you drink matters as much as how much you drink? While water is essential, you can supplement your intake with healthy options for even more benefits. For example, herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, and rooibos contain antioxidants that support the immune system and aid digestion without containing caffeine. Drinks that have natural electrolytes in them, like coconut water, help keep your body hydrated more effectively without the negative effects of artificial chemicals.
Being proactive even if you’re in good health
It’s normal not to give much thought to your health when there’s nothing wrong, but being proactive about it when you’re already healthy has many other knock-on benefits – including financial advantages. Preventative care, such as regular check-ups, screenings and a healthy lifestyle overall can help you avoid illness and, as a result, costly medical treatments down the line.
If you belong to a medical aid, you may be able to get these screenings done at no additional cost as part of your medical aid benefits. Fedhealth, for example, offers screening benefits on their flexiFED plans that cover a wide range of health risk assessments, including pap smears and mammograms for men and women, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening tests for men, cholesterol screenings and more. Being proactive means more than just reacting when something goes wrong—it’s about making small, consistent choices that contribute to long-term health.
A Sense of Purpose: The Ultimate Health Booster
Finding meaning in your daily life can profoundly impact your health. Whether it’s through your career, hobbies, volunteering, or relationships, having a reason to get up in the morning can improve your mental well-being and even reduce the risk of diseases to help you live longer. Research published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine indicates that individuals with a strong sense of purpose experience fewer daily physical symptoms and less of an increase in negative effect on stressful days compared to those with lower purpose levels.
Health isn’t just about what you eat or how often you exercise: it’s also influenced by small daily habits in many areas, such as relationships, our environment and how we find purpose. By paying attention to these lesser-known factors, you can take a more holistic approach to your well-being and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, happier life.
