You can most likely achieve optimal personal health. For many, achieving optimal personal health may seem like a daunting task. The truth is, there are many things we can do to improve our health and quality of life especially when it comes to maintaining a nutritious diet and engaging in regular exercise. Let's explore these and other factors that will help you optimize your wellness!

1. Sleep: Getting the right amount of sleep is one key way to achieve optimal wellness. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get between seven and nine hours of shut-eye per night, while children require even more (ten or more). Unfortunately, far too many people deprive themselves of adequate sleep due to a variety of reasons such as stress, anxiety, and other ailments. However, by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting the proper amount of rest each night, you will help your body fight off illness, improve its ability to fight disease, and perform at an optimal level on a daily basis.

2. Nutrition: Maintaining a nutritious diet is another key component of achieving optimal wellness. Numerous studies have suggested that people who eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (such as those found in fish) typically experience better health than those whose diets are lower in such foods. Furthermore, eating regular meals - instead of skipping some and overindulging at others - is also important because your body requires energy to function on a daily basis. Consequently, if you don't eat enough throughout the day, you may eventually feel run down and experience symptoms of fatigue. Along with eating healthy foods, it is also important to avoid sugary sweets and refined carbohydrates because they can lead to weight gain (which in turn, can contribute to other health problems) and other health maladies.

3. Exercise: Regular physical activity is another key component to achieving optimal wellness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should engage in at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, while children should get an hour or more each day. With that said, there are plenty of ways you can engage in physical activity - such as walking, playing with your kids, or even gardening - so don't think that you need to devote several hours to the gym every day! Instead, try finding activities that you truly enjoy doing because chances are good that you will stick with them long term if they are enjoyable. As noted by the CDC, "exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial."

4. Stress and Mental Wellness: Finally, stress and mental wellness (or your emotional state) also play a key role in achieving optimal health. According to WebMD, "Emotional health is about coping with difficult or stressful times and being able to express emotions like anger, fear, love, and joy - both verbally and non-verbally." If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or other such disorders on a regular basis; it may be best for you to talk to a mental health care professional because many of these conditions can be treated effectively via therapy or medication. On the other hand, if your stress levels are getting out of control and you're overwhelmed on a regular basis; it's important to take the necessary steps to reduce your stress and bring more peace and serenity into your life. By doing so, you will not only improve your chances of achieving optimal wellness; you will also experience a greater quality of life on a daily basis!