HEALTHY TIPS AND ADVICE

Hi Finola,

I’m looking for some advice. Over the last while, I feel like I have lost all routine and my lifestyle has slowly changed to where I know this is not healthy for me. From reading online I have found conflicting advice around healthy living and I don’t know what sources to believe. This is why I got in touch with you, have you any advice on becoming healthier. Thanks,

Philip

Hi Philip,

Thanks for getting in touch, online articles can be confusing but the World Health Organisation and Healthy Ireland are 2 resources online that can be trusted. My tips would be to;

Increase Physical Activity – make a plan and use a family member or friend to keep you accountable. Remember to set a goal and work towards this, it is important to choose an activity that you enjoy. Remember the World Health Organisation recommends that all adults should undertake 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity.

Get enough quality sleep - Getting enough quality sleep is important for both our mental and physical health and can have a big impact on our mood and concentration. Avoid being on your phone, laptop etc before bed as this can negatively affect your sleep. Ensure you have a routine and try to go to sleep and wake at a similar time each day.

Healthy Balanced Nutrition – Eat a variety of different foods including fruit and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish/meat etc. It’s advised that adults eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg per day. A healthy balanced diet will improve your health and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.

Stay connected to your family/friends – use technology to keep in touch with your friends/family, especially in the current situation where you may not be able to meet them face to face. I put this one in as staying in touch with friends/family can help improve mood and they might keep you accountable to your physical activity goals!!

Regards,

Finola