When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we often think about physical fitness in terms of intense exercise, weightlifting, or running. We might also think about sleep habits and our diets. However, there are other less-talked-about habits that contribute just as much to our overall health and well-being. Two specific, simple, everyday practices that can have profound effects on your physical and mental health are brushing your teeth and taking care of your skin. It might seem odd to read in a fitness-based blog, but these habits can work synergistically with the things you do in the gym and contribute to a healthier, happier you.

While brushing your teeth might seem like a basic and routine part of your day, it's a fundamental practice that impacts more than just your smile. Oral hygiene plays a significant role in your overall health, with research showing a direct link between poor dental hygiene and systemic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even cognitive decline. This grows even more important if your drinking water is not fluoridated, like it could be soon here in Utah.  

How brushing your teeth supports your health:

• Prevents gum disease: Brushing your teeth regularly helps prevent gum disease, which can lead to inflammation throughout your body, including in your joints and heart
• Boosts your confidence: A healthy mouth not only makes you feel good about yourself but can also positively impact your social interactions and mental health
• Improves overall health: Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria that can cause oral infections, which, if left untreated, can spread to other areas of your body, affecting your health in ways you may not expect

In a way, taking care of your teeth and gums is a form of preventive care — akin to how resistance training prevents muscle loss and strengthens the body over time. Additionally, if you are suffering from a disease rooted in poor oral hygiene, you probably won’t want to go lift anyway.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and maintaining its health is just as important as working out. Your skin acts as a barrier to protect you from environmental toxins, harmful UV rays, and bacteria. When you take time to care for your skin, you're not only improving your appearance but also supporting the body's immune system and overall wellness.

How skincare supports your health:

• Protects against environmental stress: The right skincare routine can help protect your skin from harmful pollutants, UV radiation, and free radicals — factors that contribute to skin aging and increased risk of skin cancer
• Boosts self-esteem: Clear, healthy skin contributes to a positive self-image, which has a profound impact on your mental health and emotional well-being
• Prevents premature aging: Just as resistance training can slow down muscle atrophy and improve bone health, skincare routines with ingredients like sunscreen, retinoids, and moisturizers can delay the signs of aging by supporting the skin's structure

A consistent skincare routine might not seem as intense as lifting weights, but in the same way resistance training helps you stay strong and resilient, skincare helps your body stay vibrant and protected. The more you can do to protect and care for it, the better off you’ll be.

We all know that resistance training is key to building strength, muscle, and bone density. But so are those small habits — brushing your teeth and maintaining your skin. These routines help you stay healthy, both inside and out, in ways that go beyond what’s visible on the surface. Incorporating these healthy habits into your daily routine can complement your fitness regimen and contribute to a more balanced, healthier lifestyle. Whether you're lifting weights or lifting a toothbrush, you're taking steps toward a stronger, healthier you.