One of the best things about being in a healthy relationship is the ability to grow and develop together. Pushing each other to strive for career ambitions and trying new hobbies as a couple can be incredibly rewarding, but few things are as important as looking after your wellbeing.
If you both want to improve your health for now and in the future, here are some of the fundamentals to focus on.
Exercising
Exercise is one of the foundations of health and wellbeing. Some even call it a miracle cure. It can reduce your risk of major illnesses, lower your risk of early death and has an almost instant positive impact on your mental health.
Despite its numerous benefits, we all know it’s not the easiest thing to get motivated for. Fortunately, exercising with a partner can help you both commit and stay more consistent. Head to the gym, go for a swim or just have a long walk – it’s quality time together and should improve your health significantly with consistency.
Cooking healthy meals
Like exercise, the food you eat has a direct impact on your health. Eating a balanced diet gives your body and mind all the nutrients they need to work properly and feel good. It’s all about eating the right amount of the good stuff, such as fruits, vegetables and fibre, and less of the bad stuff, such as saturated fats and sugar.
Falling into bad eating habits is easy – we’ve all done it. But if you and your partner can plan your meals, do a weekly food shop and cook more of your meals from scratch, you’ll both benefit massively. Take it in turns, cook together or designate someone for washing up duty.
Regular health check-ups
You can do all the right things for your body and mind, but it doesn’t completely protect you from health issues. Regular checkups and screenings are a vital part of life, whether you have symptoms or not.
If you’ve just got with your partner, consider taking STI tests at the same time to ensure you’re starting the relationship on the right foot. Forget social stigma, it’s all about being confident and comfortable with each other.
Make sure you’re both completing necessary screenings and see the GP if any issues arise – the sooner you identify something, the sooner it can be tackled.
Supporting each other’s mental health
Society now appreciates the link between mental and physical health much better. One can have an adverse effect on the other, and vice versa. Being there for your partner should be a given in any relationship, but it’s more important at some times than others.
Get into good habits when it comes to talking honestly and openly. Share your stresses and worries. Take up meditation, yoga or another calming practice together if it helps. Mental health is precious, so care for it deliberately.
