The value of health versus wealth

Work often plays a dominant role in our lives. But is it worth putting your health at risk? We take a look at some things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The busy years of starting work, developing and maintaining a career, perhaps with the added commitments of home and family, can be extremely demanding. Often it seems there’s never enough hours in the day. And very rarely is there enough ‘you’ time. Juggling all the constant demands makes it easy to overlook the impact on your health.

Whatever age you are, it's important to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health.¹ Good health is the most important asset you have. Without it you won’t be able to enjoy the things you’re working so hard to achieve. Here are some things you can do to maintain a healthy, active life.

Eat a variety of foods

There are so many diets and eating fads around, but the bottom line is, eating a variety of foods, regularly, and in the right amounts is the best formula for a healthy diet.² Aim to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats whole grains, fibre, vitamins and minerals in your diet each day. At the same time drink plenty of water, cut down on salt and limit foods that are high in unhealthy fats.¹

To develop better eating habits, try preparing and taking your own healthy lunch to work, instead of buying it each day. Buy fresh whole vegetables and cook them yourself, rather than eating packaged meals and processed foods that are often high in sugar and salt.

Eating well will help you feel better and get more out of life, and reduce the risk of common ailments such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.³ It can also help you maintain a healthy body weight. Of course, the right weight for each us depends on our gender, height, age and genes.² If you are gaining or carrying too much weight, the simple rule is, you need to eat less and be more active.

Make exercise fun

Being physically active is good for people of all weight ranges and health conditions.¹ Aim to do 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days. Sounds like a big ask? You don’t have to take out a gym membership or hire a personal trainer. Simply make moderate physical activity part of your daily routine. It doesn’t matter what you do or where you do it as long as it adds up between 2½ and 5 hours of activity across the week.¹

Find a few activities you enjoy doing. If you can make it fun, it’s easier to keep going. Try playing with the kids, walking the dog or dancing. In fact, walking is a great way to start. Just three 10 minute walks a day can put you on track to a healthier life.³ Try using the stairs instead of the lift, walk and talk with a friend for half an hour before going for a coffee, or go for a walk during lunch breaks at work.

Look after your mental health too

The demands of modern life are enough to drive anyone to distraction. It’s no wonder over 2 million Australians are currently living with anxiety.⁴ That’s why it’s important to add mental health to your self-care list. A little stress is normal and even good for you. But feeling overwhelmed with anxiety is not. If you’re feeling stressed, talk to someone about how you feel. The simple act of talking can be helpful in itself.⁵ Exercise can help and there are various mindfulness apps, such as ‘Smiling mind’ that take you through short daily relaxation exercises.⁵ Check out the Beyond Blue website to find out more about managing stress and anxiety.

Get a good night’s sleep

Sleeping patterns differ between adults, but for most of us a good night’s sleep of between 7 and 9 hours is important for good health.⁶ Getting too little sleep can increase your risk for certain health problems. If you’re having ongoing difficulties sleeping, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP.¹

Get regular health checks

Maintaining regular health checks with your GP will help you address issues before they become bigger problems that can affect your health and well-being. For example, regular screening such as mammograms, skin checks, pap smears, blood pressure checks, blood sugar levels and cholesterol checks will help identify risk factors that can lead to problems down the road.²

1. Health communities, Tips for Staying Healthy in Your 50s
2. The European Food Information Council, 10 healthy lifestyle tips for adults
3. SA Health, Top tips for healthy living
4. Beyond Blue
5. Beyond Blue, Relaxation Exercises
6. The Conversation, Does everyone need 8 hours sleep?

The value of health versus wealth

Work often plays a dominant role in our lives. But is it worth putting your health at risk? We take a look at some things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Eat a variety of foods

Make exercise fun

Look after your mental health too

Get a good night’s sleep

Get regular health checks

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