According to the Journal of American Medicine, more than one-third of American adults are obese. 

What does this mean?

As a society, we’re not very focused on prioritizing health.

But most of us realize that this has to change. If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.

You can’t enjoy money if you’re always stuck in bed because your immune system has been depleted.

Fortunately, there are some simple changes you can make to invest in your health more. They may not always be easy to implement, but in theory, they are relatively simple.

Here’s how you can invest in your health more.

Invest more time towards sleep

If you struggle to get a good night’s rest, you may not necessarily be able to control the exact amount of sleep you get. But if you dedicate a little more time towards sleep, you’re likely to get more sleep each night.

Shoot for an average of 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night. When you’re asleep, your body is regenerating. Without the appropriate amount of sleep, your immune system will inevitably suffer, and you’ll be more prone to depression and anxiety.

Consume more water

Most people don’t drink enough water on a regular basis. And it’s crucial because not only are our bodies made up of a large percentage of water, but water helps flush toxins from the body.

If you aren’t sure how much water you should be drinking, take your body weight and cut it in half. Drink that amount in ounces every day. So if you weigh 150lbs., drink 75 ounces of water.

Sit less

Recent studies have found that sitting is extremely detrimental – maybe even as detrimental as smoking. So if you have an office job where you sit all day, and then you go home and sit on the couch, something needs to change.

This is an easy way to invest in your health. Consider getting a standup desk or going for frequent walks throughout the day.

Avoid bad habits

Habits like smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol can really detract from your mental and physical health. And if you’re relying on these things often enough, you may develop an addiction.

Addiction will impact all areas of your life, from finances to relationships and health.

Focus on friendships

When you’re investing in your health, don’t forget to invest in your mental health.

Spend time on relationships that make you feel good. When you find friends, who support you and lift your spirits, spend more time with these people.

Everyone needs a support system, and you are no different. So when things get difficult, as they inevitably will, you’ll have people to rely on.

Eat more whole foods

If you haven’t been investing in your health, there’s a chance you may be eating a lot of the wrong foods. Processed foods contain excess sodium and fat. They’re loaded with preservatives and chemicals. Instead, choose whole foods that are as close to their natural source as possible.

Exercise more often

Driving a car is an appealing thing, but it’s not always the best for your health. If you can walk or bike somewhere instead, it’s a lot better for your health.

If you feel like you don’t have time to exercise, try finding little ways to get your heart rate up. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Choose the furthest parking spot, so you can get a few more steps in.

Avoid sugar

If you’re a soda drinker, you stop that habit today. Colas have an incredible amount of sugar, which is terrible for your health. Not only does sugar have empty calories that can contribute to obesity, but sugar can lead to other health issues like diabetes and heart disease.

In the brain, sugar can impair cognitive abilities and self-control. You may see this with young children who have had too much sugar. By the time we get older, we’re somewhat desensitized to sugar, but that doesn’t mean its effects have gone away. Be careful about your sugar consumption when you’re investing your health.

There’s nothing more important to invest in than your own health. When you’re not healthy, it’s difficult to excel in any area of your life. So try to focus on the areas mentioned in this post. Put a little effort into yourself, and you’ll be healthier and happier.