Is there anything we treasure more than life itself? It is therefore no surprise that the subjects of health and well-being are given the attention they receive in all forms of media, educational curricula and public policy. And, yet, surprisingly or disappointingly, there’s always so much more to be done to improve our overall lifestyle.

There are several components that would make up a healthy lifestyle and these range from what sits in your plate right up to the environmental conditions you live in. For the purpose of this article, I shall focus on perhaps the most obvious and common issues, particularly the ones over which we are supposed to have control.

The importance of finding time to relax after a day’s work and making the most of the weekend cannot be overemphasised. There is a significant overlap between the physical and the mental state of a person – like two sides of the same coin. We need to find the time to practise our hobbies and sports or simply do anything that makes us “switch off” from the daily routine. When asked the question on what are their favourite pastimes, certain people genuinely struggle to recall what they used to do in their younger days when free time still existed.

When it comes to dietary habits, we seem to be living in two parallel worlds. While acknowledging the heavy influence of the Mediterranean cuisine in our kitchens and restaurants, I cannot help noticing the increasing amount of fast food outlets that seem to be mushrooming all over the island. This reflects not only a culture but also a lifestyle which, unlike the former, is common to most levels of society. We need to raise awareness on the quality of food we consume by promoting the consumption of fruit, vegetables and low-fat products while discouraging the consumption of unhealthy meals. Education and public policy are essential tools in this area.

I cannot fail to mention the aspect of smoking and consumption of alcohol and caffeine, particularly under the subject of habits. Just as we seem to score high on the obesity scale, we also appear to have an issue here in Malta with alcohol consumption among the teenage generation. Without entering into the debate of how much is too much and what the drivers may be, I think there is enough evidence out there that points towards the irreversible damage that afflicts our overall health through the consumption of these substances and we should spare no effort to counteract this trend.

The benefits of regular sporting activity are immense and can hardly be assessed as they live on with you. Furthermore, it is not merely our physical side that benefits from this activity but also the psychological and this is where sports can indeed make miracles. I cannot do justice to this particular subject in a few lines and so I will attempt to list out the main benefits I see in practising any form of sport:

Overall fitness that addresses cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition.

A significant boost to your self-esteem and self-confidence (feel-good factor).

Feeling of alertness, agility and efficiency.

In the case of team sports, you will learn the concept of teamwork, team-building, dealing with opponents, losses and victories. These are vital skills for adulthood.

You will learn to be disciplined and perseverant. In the end, it is your achievement and the earned satisfaction will stay with you.

You will learn how to “listen” to your body and recognise your limitations.

As you progress, you will find it easier to steer clear of unhealthy eating habits. It’s no longer a fitness routine. It is now a lifestyle that you must treasure and hold on to.

A regular programme will ensure you take sufficient time off and spend it in a healthy manner. Sport has always been considered as the healthiest way to keep kids off the streets and away from unhealthy habits. I would add it also helps adults to make the time for a healthy break.

The incidence of several illnesses, some of which can be life-threatening, can be reduced with regular physical exercise.

People who train regularly generally sleep better at night and develop a lower resting rate.

An area that needs special mention here is that concerning the needs of the disabled. The importance and significance of sports in the life of a disabled person, is far greater than it is for an able-bodied person.

The importance of sports from a physical fitness aspect is accentuated since certain disabilities may render the person immobile and, therefore, more prone to obesity and other problems linked with such a sedentary lifestyle.

In other conditions such as autism, there are behavioural issues that are well addressed with sports because such activities provide you with a structured routine and an opportunity to use up your energy and create positive energy.

Above all, there is the psychological effect of sports, which, on a disabled person, takes on a wider meaning as it helps the person to develop independence, confidence and fitness, apart from the recreational and educational side to it.

We have witnessed a major effort in government policy, with several initiatives designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle at all stages of one’s life.

These are positive measures and should be applauded. Nevertheless, we are still a long way off and the culture of sports is rather alien to a large segment of the population.

Needless to say, no amount of experience or personal reading can substitute the advice of a personal adviser, be it a doctor, nutritionist, physiotherapist or any other trusted and competent professional. One’s medical history, as well as that of one’s family, is also a key element in this assessment.

The points raised above are merely pointers towards certain aspects of our daily life we tend to overlook and, yet, that can make a significant difference to our well-being. They should encourage you to take a closer look at your lifestyle and identify those areas you can improve upon after seeking proper professional advice.