These days, more people are finding themselves living independently. According to reports, 4.4 million people lived alone in 2021. This represented up to 15% of people aged 15 and up in private households.
There are many reasons for this trend. Increasingly, people are choosing to delay marriage or forego it altogether. And with longer lifespans, people are more likely to live alone later in life, after their partner has passed away.
If you’ve recently found yourself living solo, you might be wondering how to take charge of your health now that you don’t have anyone else to help. While it can be a bit of a challenge at first, there are some things you can do to make sure that you stay healthy and happy. Here are a few tips on how to take charge of your health now that you’re living solo.
Get Organized
The first thing you need to do is to get organized. This means taking your medications on time, stocking your kitchen with healthy food options, and making time for exercise and adequate rest and sleep. Getting organized will help you make better choices for your health and make it easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle.
It also makes sense to get organized in terms of your home. Studies show that people who live in cluttered environments are more likely to be stressed. If you’re living solo, you don’t have anyone else to help tidy up. Make an effort to keep your space clean and organized. This will help reduce stress and make it easier for you to relax at home.
Be sure to clean regularly and to keep up with home maintenance tasks. You can create your own maintenance schedule or use some many resources available online. You can find free home maintenance checklists that you can use to keep track of everything you need to do to ensure your home stays a healthy and safe place to live.
Keep Up With Your Health and Dental Exams
While you might be used to having someone around to remind you of appointments, keeping track of your health and dental exams is now up to you. Seeing your doctor for regular check-ups and getting screenings or tests recommended for your age group can lead to early detection of serious health conditions. Don’t forget about seeing your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Suppose you don’t have a general physician. In that case, you can find one in your area online or by contacting your local health department. This will enable you to establish a relationship with a doctor you trust who can provide the care you need.
The same goes when finding a reliable dentist in your area. Find one that offers exemptional dental care services and can cater to your dental needs. It would be better if your dentist accepts emergency dental appointments to ensure you won’t have to worry about your teeth during accidents or sudden toothaches.
Find a Support System
Living solo usually means having no one to talk to about your day-to-day struggles. Now, you have none to vent to about your boss or to ask for advice about a situation at work. This can be tough and can cause you to feel isolated.
Studies show that there are many health issues linked to loneliness. This includes poor decision-making, antisocial behavior, decreased memory and learning, and alcohol and drug misuse, to name a few. This only means that finding a supportive network is crucial for your mental, emotional, and physical health.
You can combat isolation by finding a support system. This could be friends, family, or even a professional counselor or therapist. Talking to someone about what’s going on in your life can help you work through tough times and make better choices for your mental health.
Embrace Healthy Habits
Creating healthy habits can be tricky at first, but never impossible. Remember that it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit. Once you’ve made healthy living a part of your routine, it will become second nature.
You can start by cooking more meals at home. This will give you better control over your ingredients and allow you to make healthier choices. Meal prepping can also help you save time and money.
As for exercise, you don’t have to join a gym or start working out for hours every day. Adding 30 minutes of moderate exercise to your daily routine can significantly impact your health. Some great activities to consider are walking, biking and swimming.
Getting enough sleep is also essential for your health. If you’re not getting enough rest, you’re putting yourself at risk for various health problems. Ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. If this seems impossible, try to catch up on sleep on the weekends.
Managing your stress levels is key to maintaining your overall health. Stress can impact your mental and physical health in several ways, so find healthy ways to cope. Consider yoga, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature to help you relax.
Don’t forget about going offline. Spending too much time on social media or staring at screens can negatively impact your mental health. Make sure you’re taking breaks from technology and take some time to disconnect each day.
You don’t have to wait until you’re sick to take charge of your health. By proactively making healthy choices, you can prevent many health problems from occurring in the first place. This is especially important if you’re living alone. These habits will not only help you physically but will also improve your mental and emotional health.
