Ten Signs It’s Time to Get On Top of Your Health

Life moves quickly and between work, social commitments and your everyday responsibilities of family, it's very easy to allow your health to slide. Maybe you've been feeling off, or maybe you're just not feeling yourself lately. It happens to us all, but your body has a way of nudging and sometimes yelling at you when it's time to pay a little more attention to yourself.

You don't have to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight just to get on top of your health. In fact, you need to listen to your body, recognise the signs that something's going wrong and make small but sustainable changes that can make a big difference over time. If so, smaller changes that will change your life for the good. So let's take a look at 10 signs it's time to get on top of your health.

You're dealing with lethargy all the time.
Being tired is pretty normal for somebody who has a busy life, but if you're waking up exhausted, relying on coffee to get you through the morning, and crashing hard by mid afternoon, that's a constant fatigue that could be a red flag for an issue that you're not even aware of. It could be related to poor sleep or nutrient deficiencies, a lack of exercise, or even stress. Getting a good night's rest is the first step, but if the fatigue continues, then it may be time to look at your overall routine more closely and get a health check with your doctor.

You are feeling Moody.
We all get Moody from time to time. That's not an issue. But the issue comes when your mood is being affected by everything in your life. If you're experiencing regular mood swings that don't line up with cycle swings, then you need to find out whether or not there's something going on. Anxiety can be normal, but if it's persistent, that's not normal and that's something that should be looked at.

You are constantly getting sick.
If every office cold seems to find its way to you, then it's a sign that your immune system needs some support. While no one can be completely immune to germs, frequent illness may suggest that your body isn't getting the fuel or the rest that it needs to defend itself. Adding more Whole Foods and learning how to stay hydrated can really help to boost your immunity. You also want to reduce your stress and support your sleep habits better. Constantly getting sick all of the time is an indication that you are not a healthy person, so you need to get on top of that as soon as you can. Your doctor may ask you to see a dietitian or nutritionist so that you can ensure that you're getting the right number of nutrients in your body. Pay attention to this type of advice because it could help you in the long run.

You’re unhappy with your weight.
It happens: you gain a few pounds over the holidays or suddenly your clothes start to feel like they don't fit anymore. Feeling uncomfortable in your body is a very common wake up call for this. It's not about hitting a specific number for your weight; they may ask you to go and see a dietitian or a nutritionist and it's where you can get the best advice on your health. If your weight has shifted and you're not sure why, then getting the right support from the right healthcare provider can help you to figure out what's really going on. You can then create a plan that works for your body rather than against it.

You don't have the energy to do what you love.
If you love to hike, dance, or chase your kids around the park, then you'll notice very quickly if your energy levels have dipped very low. The lack of energy or stamina can really sneak up on you, but it's a sign that your overall health needs a tune up. Start small with this one. Take walks, eat better, hydrate, and gradually work your way back to the things that make you feel more alive.

You're living on takeout and snacks.
Have busy weeks? But if your meals mostly come in paper bags or wrappers, your body may be missing essential nutrients. A poor diet can lead you towards brain fog, bloating and mood swings. Cooking at home doesn't have to be fancy. Start with one healthy meal a day and you can build from there.

Your skin, hair or nails are screaming for help.
Dull skin, brittle nails and hair in your brush more than usual can be early signs that your body is lacking key nutrients. You might also notice that stress is creeping up and taking its toll. Sometimes what's happening on the outside is a reflection of what's going on on the inside. Paying more attention to your overall nutrition and stress levels can lead to some real improvements in how you look and feel.

You can't remember the last time that you felt good.
You're not sick, you're not exhausted, you're not overly stressed, just good. There was a time that that was your reality. And if that's a distant memory, it's a pretty strong signal that something is out of balance. Maybe it's been creeping up on you for a while, or maybe it will hit you all at once. Either way, your body is telling you it's time for some self-care.
Your sleep is shot.If you're not sleeping very well, you'll notice it very quickly. Sleep is one of the most important pillars of health, and yet it's the first thing to suffer when life gets hectic. Tossing and turning, waking up in the night, or just not waking up refreshed will take it out of you.

You're avoiding your check ups.
A good sign that you need to get on top of your health is that you are not going to the doctors when you should be. None of us love going to the doctor, but if you've been putting it off and ignoring your weird symptoms then you need to stop playing the avoidance game. Prevention is a very powerful tool. 

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