Getting healthy is a long-term commitment that can help you thriving throughout life. With motivation and determination, you can make and stick to healthy lifestyle choices. You will reap benefits well into the future from the changes you make today.
Here are 8 tips on getting healthy in all areas of your life.
1. Be Physically Active
You can go walking, running, or dancing, take part in a sport activity, do some yoga or just about anything that keeps you active. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. This may be broken into three 10-minute sessions for the day.
2. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Variety and moderation are important to remember. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and include healthy fats. Drink sufficient water throughout the day and watch your sugar and salt intake.
3. Check Your Weight but Don’t Obsess
Being fit does not mean you are setting out to win any competitions! Check your weight and BMI and discuss these with your doctor if you feel you may be over or underweight. Being healthy is more about your overall condition and less about a number on a scale.
4. Brush Your Teeth
A healthy mouth is the start of good nutrition. It also promotes self-esteem, and enhances social interaction. Brush your teeth after meals, after drinking and before going to bed. And don’t forget to floss daily!
5. Get Enough Sleep and Rest
Restorative sleep is vital to optimizing your daily activities. Your relationships, work and overall health benefit from a good night’s sleep. Sleep also boosts your memory power, increases longevity, and eases inflammation in the body.
6. Exercise Your Brain
Your brain is activated by your senses, so try mixing things up a bit to keep your brain active and engaged. Allow your brain to flex its muscles – attempt everyday tasks with your other hand, get hooked on brainteaser puzzles, and try a new route to work.
7. Maintain a Healthy Outlook
Indulge in some ‘me time’ doing things that make you happy. Keeping in touch with family and friends, and community involvement also go a long way towards improved overall health. Lifelong learning also helps, so sign up for a new course, or learn a new language or skill.
8. Cut Yourself Some Slack
Remember you are only human so don’t beat up yourself for missing a health and fitness target here and there. The best trick is to start small, making simple changes daily. The changes are more likely to stick if you make them gradually and give yourself time to adjust. After all it’s a healthy lifestyle you are hoping to develop – give it some time.