When you think of your most valuable asset, your health might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But how different would your life be if your health was suddenly taken away from you? Without your health, all the other parts of your life would be affected. This is why it is important to protect your health.
Here’s how you can make small but effective changes to protect your most valuable asset – your health:

1. Reduce stress

Stress is part of everyday life, and it can stem from work, finances, personal relationships, or studies. Over time, stress can affect your mental and physical health. It is therefore important to try to reduce stress in your life.

Here is how you can reduce your stress levels:

  • Get regular exercise by opting to take the stairs instead of the escalator, and by going for regular walks or jogs. Regular exercise can help boost your mood and help you get a good night’s sleep.
  • Make sure that you get enough sleep so that you can help your body recover from the stresses of the day.
  • Make time for self-care.

2. Protect your eyes

Your eyes allow you to do everyday activities with ease, so protecting them should be a priority. Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time can make your eyes feel tired and sometimes dry. This can also lead to blurred vision, headaches, and eye strain.

Here is how you can protect your eyes:

  • Sit an arm’s length away from your computer screen, and ensure that your eye gaze is downward by positioning the screen accordingly.
  • Take regular breaks (preferably every 20 minutes) where you shift your eyes to look at something else for at least 20 seconds.
  • Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses that block UV rays.

3. Protect your ears

Your ears are constantly taking in a variety of sounds and levels of noise, but over time, exposure to constant loud noises can cause hearing loss.

Here is how you can protect your ears:

  • If you work in an environment where you are exposed to loud noises, ensure that you wear protective gear for your ears.
  • When listening to music via headphones or earphones, keep the sound at less than 60% of the maximum volume.
  • Limit the amount of time you use earphones and headphones to an hour at a time and then take a break.

4. Make better food choices

The food you consume can either help build or break your body. It affects how well your brain functions, and healthy food can help to improve your health and prevent diseases.

Here is how you can make better food choices for your health:

  • Give your body healthy minerals and vitamins by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid fatty foods and junk food and opt for foods high in fibre.
  • Eat foods like salmon and walnuts, which contain omega-3 fatty acids and improve your brain health and your mental well-being.

Your health ensures that you function at your best every day. It is your most valuable asset because without it, your ability to work, as well as all the other areas of your life, would be affected. Small but effective changes such as protecting your eyes and ears, reducing stress in your life, and making better food choices can help you protect this precious asset.

This blog was first published on 18 April 2018 and has been updated for accuracy. 

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