Trying to be healthy is not always easy. Not everyone agrees on what health is in the first place. There are also about a million approaches to pursuing health that you could use. It all depends on what your goals are and the areas of personal wellness that you want to improve.

One thing that cannot be debated is that there are a lot of false perceptions about health. Since so many people have different opinions, body types, and personalities, there is not a single path to well-being that everyone can follow to improve their quality of life. But there are a lot of myths out there about what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Some of these myths can often prevent people from making the most of their health journey. Hopefully, this article can dispel some of those perceptions that are holding you back. Here are five truths that will change your perspective on health.

Exercise Can Be Fun

Many people who want to be healthier think of exercise as being boring, difficult, and not very exciting. This mindset could prevent you from ever trying certain workouts or physical activities. But this perspective is full of falsehoods. Exercising can of course be boring, but it all depends on how you approach it. Maybe the idea of going to the gym sounds horrible or even scary. In that case, you need to find fun exercise alternatives. Ever tossed a disc around with friends and found that you were a natural? Consider finding an Ultimate Frisbee league nearby for some high-intensity competition. You could take up cool hobbies like fencing or rowing, both of which involve heavy exercise. There are plenty of ways to push your body that can be exciting, you just have to be willing to look for them.

Supplements Should Support a Healthy Diet

A lot of people think of supplements as being alternative sources of nutrients that are more convenient than food. While this is true, it is the wrong way to think about these products. Supplements are not a replacement for food. Food will always be the best way to achieve the vitamin and mineral levels that your body’s cells need to operate. Supplements should instead be used to SUPPORT an already-balanced diet. Instead of eating a less substantial breakfast and using supplements to make up the difference, prepare a healthy breakfast and then boost your nutrient levels further with an antioxidant supplement. Relying on these products as a main source of nutrition could result in being undernourished or malnourished.

Mental Health Affects Physical Health and Vice Versa

For a long time, the effects of mental health were ignored by society in general. That reality has completely shifted in the last few decades. We now understand more about mental health and how it is interconnected with physical health. Working on one can benefit the other, and ignoring one can debilitate the other as well. For better overall health, you should be taking steps to improve both aspects of well-being. Pair more exercise with time spent journaling. Eat a balanced diet and try some calming meditation as well. If you invest in both the mental and physical aspects of your health, then your quality of life can improve in leaps and bounds.

Hobbies Can Reduce Burnout

Burnout is a real side effect for those who feel stuck in a rut or under constant stress. Essentially, you feel like you are accomplishing little while doing the same things over and over again. Overcoming this experience can get you back on track to enjoying all that life has to offer. Taking up a hobby is a great way to address this issue. Choose an activity that engages your mind and your hands to work together toward a specific goal. It could be knitting, woodworking, bird-watching, gardening, doing puzzles, collecting antiques, or even working on cars. An activity with clear objectives will give you a sense of accomplishment when the project is completed, helping reduce the burnout that you were experiencing.

Treating Yourself is Always a Win

Life is meant to be enjoyed. If you focus so intensely on becoming healthier that you never reward yourself for progress, then what is the point of going on this journey? There are always reasons to celebrate yourself and how far you have come. Pay for that full-body massage after completing your first one-mile run. Take a shopping trip to your favorite store after two successful weeks of meal planning. Celebrate completing your first ten journal entries by going to the movies. If you never think to treat yourself, then your journey toward health will become a dull affair.

Remember You Do Not Have to Do This Alone

The five truths listed above will hopefully shift your perspective on what it means to pursue health. It doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive, and there are plenty of creative strategies for making the most of your experience. Perhaps the most important aspect of pursuing health goals is feeling supported. There are almost certainly others who are pursuing similar objectives that could act as moral support when you feel unmotivated. Seek out a buddy or a group of people who can encourage you on your path to wellness.