It's estimated that, once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, 80% of Americans will aim to practice self-care, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the ability to promote and maintain health, regularly for healthy lifestyle changes. In other words, it might have taken a full-blown pandemic for some people to realize how valuable their health is.

While it's always better late than never, research suggests that quality self-care is critical for a healthier life. And that entails far more than an unprecedented viral infection. This article will go over a few simple steps you can take daily and contribute to your best health (for a long time).

1. Take good care of your heart

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the United States. It's especially concerning nowadays due to the incidence of COVID-19 related myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle myocardium, which can lead to heart failure and sudden death. Based on findings from myocarditis research, the most common type is viral myocarditis, caused by viral infections. Therefore, preventing such infections might decrease the chances of predisposed people for developing the illness.

Contributing factors to various kinds of heart disease (like myocarditis and coronary artery disease) include excessive alcohol intake, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and high blood pressure.

While the Myocarditis Foundation has partnered with the American Heart Association to raise awareness, initiate research, and potentially find a cure for the illness, the best you can do for now is diminish susceptibility to this and other heart conditions. You can take care of your heart by strengthening your immune system, exercising regularly, cutting back on smoking and drinking, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet.

2. Take your supplements (even if you think you don't need them)

Supplements come in tablets, capsules, gummies, or powders, and they may bring numerous health benefits when recommended by a medical professional.

When combined with a healthy diet, supplements may help keep you healthy in many cases. That's because they may offer complimentary nutrition regular food can't provide alone. Factors such as soil depletion, increasingly processed food, and food additives greatly diminish the nutrient levels we consume, even in a whole-foods based diet.

Let's see an example of how supplements work in a healthy body.

If someone needs to boost their energy levels or age healthily, a healthcare provider may recommend that they take NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), which is a B3 vitamin derivative that restores levels of NAD+ in the body. NAD+ is a coenzyme that can be found in all of our cells, but our body decreases production as we age. In this case, NMN sublingual tablets or capsules would be alternatives.

Note that healthcare providers might prescribe different types of supplements depending on the patient's needs and deficiencies. Unless a supplement has been approved by your doctor, don't take it. You could do more harm than good and develop conditions such as hypervitaminosis.

3. Protect your immune system by stressing less

A weak immune response does more to your body than just opening doors to viruses every now and again. Initially harmless conditions could lead to severe complications (like pneumonia and certain cancers) much more easily. You already know that regular exercise and healthy eating are good for boosting your immune system. But what else can you do?

Interestingly, staying calm goes a long way towards human longevity. So try to stress less. Stress may lead to chronic diseases that can affect your quality of life, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) It can also lead to autoimmune disorders, in which a person's antibodies mistakenly attack tissues and organs, leading to illness. Of course, autoimmune diseases have several causes, but managing stress could reduce your chances of developing one.

Less stress also means less recurrent infections, fewer headaches, less muscle tension, and high quality of life. Once you begin making good health a priority, you'll notice your life taking a turn for the better. It's not just about protecting yourself from illnesses that come and go. It's about enjoying a lasting and significant difference in how you feel and function throughout your life.