Staying connected with family and friends is one way to enhance your quality of life, whether through writing letters, calling them directly, or exchanging emails.
Primary indicators of quality of life include living wage jobs, adequate housing, access to high-quality education, safe neighborhoods and an effective work-life balance. Governments can improve quality of life through programs that support these factors such as gun control laws or paid leave policies.
1. Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle. While one-off restless nights may not pose too many issues (other than feeling cranky the next day), chronic lack of restful slumber could result in major consequences such as obesity, blood sugar issues, heart disease, high blood pressure and memory impairments.
Attain a regular sleeping and waking schedule by going to sleep at the same time each night and avoiding electronics with bright screens and loud noises immediately before sleeping.
As you sleep, reflect upon all of the things in life that bring joy and thankfulness instead of dwelling on what’s missing from your life. Recognizing all of your blessings can improve quality of life dramatically – and don’t forget to laugh often too!
3. Exercise
Regular physical activity provides numerous health advantages, from increasing daily mobility to decreasing dementia risk and slowing mental decline as we age. Exercise plays an essential role in keeping us both physically fit and mentally sharp as we age.
Studies have consistently demonstrated the link between increased physical activity (PA) and well-being, specifically quality of life (QoL) perceptions and QoL ratings. A large systematic review (SR) concluded that more PA was associated with higher QoL in four of six SF-36 subscales (physical functioning, role limitations due to health or disability role limitations due to health or disability role pain vitality).
Physical Activity for Health suggests engaging in 150 minutes or 75 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity on most, or all, days each week. This can be accomplished in short bursts throughout the day or by adding physical activity into everyday activities – for instance walking briskly instead of using public transport or doing an additional 30 minutes of muscle strengthening exercises.
4. Spend time with family and friends
Spending time with family and friends can have a positive effect on quality of life, by providing a sense of belonging and support. Furthermore, spending time together allows individuals to build communication skills as well as strengthen existing relationships.
Spending time with loved ones can also be good for your physical wellbeing. Spending time with family can strengthen your immune system and assist with weight management; plus it encourages healthier eating and regular physical activity.
Every individual defines high quality of life differently; however, some common indicators exist. These include access to quality healthcare, loving relationships, meaningful work or volunteerism opportunities, leisure time for hobbies and good rest. Many also consider spirituality, religion or personal beliefs part of this criteria for living a fulfilling life.
5. Take care of yourself
As the saying goes, before helping others it’s essential that we put on our own oxygen masks first. By engaging in self-care routines that give you pleasure you can reduce stress and anxiety for a healthier life – this may include exercise, eating well, getting enough restorative sleep and engaging in activities which bring you pleasure.
Though quality of life can be subjective, IESE researchers have established indicators to measure it objectively. These include having a satisfying job, financial security, feeling well-balanced and strong social connections; along with an environment free from pollution with healthy food options available on safe streets as well as access to healthcare.
Governments can enhance the lives of their citizens by providing affordable housing, high-quality healthcare and education, and family-friendly policies such as paid leave. Furthermore, governments can reduce air and water pollution, ensure safer working conditions, and create green spaces to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
