10 Ways to Start Living a Healthier Life
Although healthy living is a long-term commitment, it will be within reach if you start today! Wondering where to begin? Check out our 10 tips below.
#1) Complete a Health Overview
Before you begin getting healthier, you need to realize what your current health status is. Make a checkup appointment with your doctor and dentist, discover how your body mass index (BMI) compares to a healthy range, evaluate your level of activity and assess your food intake. Then get started making positive changes!
#2) Eliminate Any Bad Behaviours
Sure, you probably already know that smoking and drinking excessively aren’t good for your health. But do you realize the full range of negative side effects accompanied by practicing these bad behaviours?
Besides contributing to premature skin wrinkling, high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking increases your chances of getting lung cancer and emphysema, too. Amongst many other effects, drinking excessively can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and brain damage.
#3) Eat a Healthy Diet
Besides eating a variety of healthy foods, control your portion sizes. Eat regularly while limiting your salt and sugar intake and staying away from saturated fats.
#4) Drink Plenty of Water
Two-thirds of our body is made up of water. Consuming enough water every day has a profound effect on our energy, vitality and mental alertness.
Good rule of thumb? If your urine is a pale yellow, you’re drinking enough water.
#5) Exercise Regularly
Experience the benefits of aerobic exercise (such as reduced risk of chronic diseases and anti-anxiety) by completing at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily.
#6) Get Enough Vitamin D
Besides improving your mood, Vitamin D offers many benefits including better immune function. Reduced risk of conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis are also related to getting enough sunlight.
Just be sure to wear sunscreen!
#7) Build a Strong Social Network
Because loneliness can lead to inflammation and depression, build a strong network of family and friends.
Not doing so can increase your chances of heart disease, too.
#8) Make Sleep a Priority
Getting about eight hours of sleep nightly can improve longevity and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Two hours before bed, turn off the TV, computer and cell phone.
#9) Stimulate Your Mind
Keep your brain sharp by completing mentally stimulating activities, especially ones involving other people. Although research is not confirmed, people who do so may be less likely to get dementia.
#10) Be Kind
Practicing random acts of kindness is beneficial for both the givers and the receivers.
Plus, taking the time to appreciate your life and all the good that’s in it can instantly uplift your mood!
Putting it All Together
Remember, healthy living is a long-term commitment. But with making some changes and staying committed to them, you’ll have the best chance of living a long, healthy life!
We’re curious: what changes have you implemented to lead a healthier life? Share with us in the comments below!
