We all want to be healthy. Healthy enough to live longer and enjoy our later years. Discover 10 smart healthy habits worth adopting for long and healthy life.
1. Improve Your Diet
One of the best things you can do for your health is to avoid processed foods and incorporate more whole foods into your diet. This technique is simple in theory but can take a bit more prep work when cooking meals from scratch, which is why a lot of people tend to avoid it.
However, if you can get past the inconvenience you will reward yourself with better tasting food and your body will thank you for it too. If you are on a time crunch and have to supplement with some processed foods, pay attention to what is on the label. If it’s something you would have in your refrigerator or pantry then it is close enough to the real deal.
Another healthy habit that is easy to implement is to eat more vegetables. Try having at least one meatless meal a week, and learn more about different ways to cook the vegetables to mix things up so you don’t get bored.
2. Get Enough Quality Sleep
Getting good quality sleep is just as important as improving your diet, without it you can be prone to developing anxiety, depression, weight gain, and other health issues. When your body is sleeping it gives your internal systems time to rest and reboot. It’s very important to your digestive, endocrine, and immune system, as well as increasing your body the ability to boost energy and manage stress.
Ideally, you need at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep to give your body a chance to recover. In order to get a full restful sleep, it’s best to create a bedtime routine, don’t eat right before bed so you don’t get an upset stomach or crazy dreams, and most importantly do not use electronics in the bedroom. These devices can be overstimulating and keep you from falling asleep in time to get the 6 to 7 hours you are trying for.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is great for your body, it helps regulate your temperature, keeps your joints lubricated, and helps rid your body of wastes through your bodily functions. If your body is dehydrated it will cause headaches, loss of energy, and may trick your body into thinking you are hungry when you are actually thirsty.
In order to get enough water throughout the day, try carrying around an insulated cup with a straw as you are more likely to take sips here and there, especially if the water is cold and refreshing. This is a great easy health habit to get into and will keep your skin looking fresh and your body feeling great.
4. Get Up and Move
We all know that it’s recommended to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, but sometimes it’s not easy to squeeze that into your schedule. Don’t let that be an excuse though, you should still be able to get some movement throughout the day.
As we age our muscles begin to deteriorate, to avoid this try walking to work if you live close by, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, take standing breaks or use a standing desk. You can also use your lunch breaks to take a walk around the block or building or park further away at work and the grocery store. These are simple ways to get in more movement in your day to day routine.
5. Healthy Habits Also Means Not Limiting Yourself All the Time
When you are on the path to getting healthy you may decide that you can’t do this or can’t eat that, but that is not good for your mental well being. This can be especially difficult around the holiday season. When there are lots of delicious things around constantly you might grow some resentment towards those enjoying everything and begin to crave what you tell yourself you can’t have.
Instead of entirely missing out on all the goodies in the office or the sweet treats at your mom’s party, let yourself have some in moderation.
6. Let Go of the Guilt
If you are recently on the path to living a healthier lifestyle, let go of any guilt you may have from not doing it sooner. Or if you skip out on going to the gym or eating an extra slice of cake, don’t let that eat away at your self-esteem either. We are all allowed to have great days and bad days, that’s what it means to be human.
Give yourself permission to move on and try better tomorrow, otherwise, you will create anxiety and stress about the situation and have more of a chance of plunging back into a downward spiral.
7. Take Care of Your Teeth
Flossing your teeth every day is a simple healthy habit that will keep your arteries healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease due to bacteria that gathers in your mouth.
Flossing twice a day will reduce your risk of getting this harmful disease and gain the most out of this life expectancy benefit.
8. Relax More
Having stress and anxiety can be one of the biggest things that will take years off your life. Worrying about things that haven’t happened yet, or might not ever happen will consume you and may keep you from getting enough sleep and eating well.
Instead of internalizing all of that negativity, let it go. Try practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to overcome this tendency and learn how to manage the stress better. Hopefully, in time, you will be able to let things go that you would have once worried over.
9. Stick to a Routine
Having a healthy diet and following the same sleep pattern will let your body have a steady equilibrium and is a great habit to get into, especially as you get older. It can be harder for you to bounce back quickly after a long night out or having one or two drinks too many.
This can also weaken your immune system making you more susceptible to catching a virus or bacterial infection.
10. Stay Social
Keeping a healthy connection with friends and family is vital to your overall health and wellbeing and is the key to avoiding depression. When we lead busy lives it can be difficult to make time for our friends, but it is absolutely essential to your mental well being to take time for each other.
It is also important as we get older to remain connected. Try joining a group exercise class or seek out social groups at your local library to make new friends and have something to look forward to and stave off depression and loneliness.
It’s Time to Get Started!
If you are ready to start implementing some of these smart healthy habits, there is no better time like the present.
If you are interested in more lifestyle tips and ideas, check out our website now!
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