10 Ways To Wellness

Erin Fisher suggests lifestyle changes that will improve your wellbeing if you put them into regular practice

1 EAT GREENS DAILY

If there is one food we all can and should eat more of, it’s green vegetables. There’s a lot of confusing health information and food regimes out there, but the one thing they all agree on is to fill your plate with greens! No matter what you prefer or what is in season, any choice is going to do wonders for your health.

Green vegetables provide a huge range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals that are important for the health of the entire body – including skin, hair, eyes, bones and cardiovascular health. They’re high in fibre, low in fat and calories, and have very little impact on blood sugar levels. Spinach alone is a source of vitamins A, B6, B9, C, E, K1, iron, folic acid, calcium, potassium and magnesium, but per cup, contains less than 10 calories.

2 GET OUTDOORS

Book in for a doctor’s appointment in Scotland and, along with medication, your prescription could include nature. After a successful first trial, doctors are now able to prescribe time spent in nature to their patients as part of their treatment plan. Research has shown that time spent in nature can improve mood, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, prevent cognitive decline, lower the risk of chronic disease, increase longevity and reduce stress levels. In one study in Denmark, people who lived further away from green spaces were 42% more likely to report higher stress levels than those closer to nature, and research from the US, UK and China all found that those who live in the greenest areas have the lowest risk of mortality from all causes.