Improve your quality of life by taking charge of what lies within your grasp, such as adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors and decreasing risk factors for non-communicable diseases.
The World Health Organization defines quality of life across six domains: Physical, Psychological, Independence Level, Social Relations and Environment. Assessing how you feel in each of these areas will allow you to find ways of increasing it and enhance its overall quality.
1. Get a good night’s sleep
Sleep can play an integral part in making you more alert and energetic throughout the day, as well as increasing memory retention and cognitive functioning. A good night’s rest can have lasting benefits on your memory and cognitive functions as well.
Though getting enough sleep may seem impossible for some people, there are steps you can take to increase quality sleep. These include developing a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before sleeping as well as going to sleep at the same time each night.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise can improve the quality of life by decreasing disease risks and helping you feel more energetic. Health professionals recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day and muscle-strengthening exercises two or three times each week.
Diversifying your exercise regimen to reap all its advantages is key for overall good health and well-being. Even making small changes such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator can add up quickly over time.
4. Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential to good health; most adults require between 7 and 9 hours of restful slumber each night.
Sleep deprivation might not seem to have much of an immediate impact, but frequent neglecting to get enough rest could have lasting adverse consequences for your health. Prioritizing restorative sleep as part of an overall healthy lifestyle plan should not be neglected.
5. Take care of your mental health
Mental health includes your emotional and social wellbeing, so it is vitally important that you take steps to maintain it so you can feel good about yourself and find meaning in life.
Mental health disorders can reduce quality of life, but they can be effectively managed. With early treatment and the combination of psychotherapy and medication, many can manage their symptoms to live full lives.
6. Take care of your physical health
Physical health is one of the five fundamental elements that contribute to quality of life, encompassing activities such as exercise, nutrition and sleep.
Caretaking of one’s physical health can contribute greatly to mental well-being. Exercise, proper diet, and getting enough rest all help us feel healthier with more energy. You should also get regular medical check-ups and screenings.
7. Get enough sleep
Ensuring you get enough rest is essential to maintaining both mental and physical wellness. Sleep deprivation can cause short-term problems like low energy and difficulty focusing, as well as increasing the risk for long-term health concerns.
Sleep can have a dramatic impact on your quality of life by helping reduce stress, improving mood, and making you more motivated. Try to get at least the recommended amount each night by following a consistent routine.
8. Take care of your mental health
Mental health disorders can severely decrease quality of life, making it hard for an individual to work, attend school, socialize, keep hygiene up-to-date or form meaningful relationships. With early and consistent treatment such as psychotherapy or medication, many can recover.
Some researchers are wary of using quality of life (QoL) as an outcome measure in mental health care research [102], while others view focusing on patients’ wellbeing as key to improving lives.
9. Take care of your physical health
Physical health is one aspect of quality of life and includes leading a lifestyle that lowers disease risks, including eating well-balanced meals, engaging in regular physical activity, sleeping enough hours each night and managing stress effectively.
Physical well-being can boost energy levels and help you feel at your best, as well as reduce stress levels and the risk of illness.
10. Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential to optimal health, just as exercise and diet are. Experts advise getting at least seven to eight hours each night. To improve sleep quality, set a consistent sleep schedule and avoid exercising late in the day.
Although everyone’s definition of quality of life may differ, some essential components include financial security, meaningful relationships and leisure activities.