In order to optimize our physical and mental health, it is important to prioritize five essentials, according to Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University. These five essentials are healthy food, movement (specifically strength and conditioning), relationships, natural light, and sleep. Read on to learn how to incorporate them into our daily lives.
- Healthy Food Healthy food is essential for providing our bodies with the nutrients and energy it needs to function properly. Incorporating whole, unprocessed foods into our diets can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Actionable strategies for incorporating healthy food into our diets include meal prepping, choosing whole foods over processed options, and focusing on nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Movement – Strength and Conditioning Movement is essential for maintaining physical health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Specifically, strength and conditioning exercises can improve bone density, muscle mass, and overall strength. Actionable strategies for incorporating movement into our daily lives include setting aside time for exercise, trying new types of exercise to keep things interesting, and incorporating strength training into our workouts.
- Relationships Having strong relationships with friends and family is essential for our mental health and well-being. Regular social interaction can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function. Actionable strategies for building and maintaining relationships include prioritizing social events, reaching out to friends and family regularly, and practicing active listening to strengthen communication.
- Natural Light Exposure to natural light is essential for regulating our circadian rhythms, which help us maintain healthy sleep patterns. Spending time outdoors during the day can help regulate our internal clock and improve our overall health. Actionable strategies for incorporating natural light into our daily lives include going for a walk during lunch breaks, taking breaks outside during the workday, and opening windows to let natural light into indoor spaces.
- Sleep Getting adequate sleep is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of chronic diseases, impair cognitive function, and negatively impact mood. Actionable strategies for improving sleep quality include setting a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and avoiding screens before bedtime.
Incorporating these five essentials into our daily lives can help us optimize our physical and mental health. By focusing on healthy food, movement, relationships, natural light, and sleep, we can improve our overall well-being and lead happier, healthier lives. Whether it’s through meal prepping, prioritizing social events, or going for a walk during lunch breaks, there are countless actionable strategies we can incorporate into our daily routines to prioritize these essentials and improve our overall health.
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Morgane Michael 