Physicians are not immune to illnesses. They can contract viruses. They can be genetically predisposed for certain medical conditions and stay healthy. They can catch the flu, break a bone, and suffer mental illnesses just like anybody else.
But getting “sick”and feeling run down like the rest of us do?
They’re much better at avoiding that.
Here are the things that doctors do to stay healthy year-round, and you can do them too.
Physicians Wash Their Hands A LOT
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If we learned nothing from COVID-19, it’s that frequent handwashing is the single best way to rid ourselves of germs and bacteria.
Hand-washing and/or using hand sanitizer is the best preventative measure we can take to reduce the likelihood of getting sick.
Why?
Because every time we rub our eyes or touch our nose or mouth with germs and bacteria on our hands, we run the risk of putting those germs into the body.
But sanitizing your hands isn’t enough. It’s equally as important to sanitize frequently touched surfaces, such as door knobs, phones, computer keyboards, remote controls, and faucet handles.
Anything you touch frequently should be cleansed and sanitized frequently.
Physicians Eat a Healthy Diet
Do physicians eat the occasional chocolate chip cookie or piece of fried chicken?
Of course they do.
But they know that there are certain foods to base your diet on and certain foods that are best to avoid.
To adopt a healthy diet, eat more:
- Fish with omega-3 fatty acids
- Lean proteins
- Leafy greens
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans
- Fruits and berries
To maintain a healthy diet, avoid foods that are:
- Processed and packaged
- High in sugar
- High in trans fats
- High in calories
- Made with refined white flour
It’s normal to want to indulge with a sweet dessert or a few potato chips on occasion. But physicians know better than to make these a part of their daily diet.
Physicians Exercise
In addition to creating a fit physique, exercise offers all sorts of physical and mental health benefits. Physicians understand the importance of this.
Exercising for as little as 30 minutes per day can help you:
- Reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Improve your mood and mental health
- Lower your blood sugar levels and improve insulin levels
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve your sleep
From running to dancing to stretching to yoga, there are all sorts of exercise routines that you can incorporate into your daily life.
Physicians Understand the Importance of Sleep
No matter how well you eat, how much you exercise, or how often you wash your hands, maintaining proper sleep habits is key to living a happy, healthy, and productive life.
Many physicians have packed, hectic schedules, but they still make time for the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep each night that all adults need.
Physicians Pay Attention to Their Mental Health
Physicians know that while maintaining good physical health is crucial, it’s equally as important to pay attention to mental health.
There’s almost nothing more stressful than having a job where other people’s lives are in your hands. Physicians know how to combat that stress, and that includes taking time for self-care and taking breaks in order to give both the brain and body a chance to rejuvenate.
Physicians Pay Attention to Their Finances as Well as Their Health
Physicians know all too well that illnesses and injuries can occur at any time. Should that disability render you unable to work, you could find yourself not just in a difficult medical situation, but in a difficult financial situation as well.
Physicians protect their income with disability insurance. If you cannot work as the result of an illness or injury, disability insurance is a way to ensure that you can still earn a portion of your pay.
To learn how this type of insurance can offer financial protection, checkout this article on disability insurance from Physicians Thrive.
In Conclusion
If you want to be as healthy as most physicians, eat right and exercise. Get enough sleep. Wash your hands and sanitize surfaces on a regular basis. Pay attention to your mental health.
No matter what line of work you’re in, when your physician gives you tips and advice on how to improve your health, listen. They know what they’re talking about.
