Everyone of us wants to be fit, healthy, and live a long active life. Right? But what do you do for it?
Well, we all know, that a healthy person
doesn’t smoke, is at a healthy weight, exercises and eats healthy.
Sounds simple, but those who have tried changing their habits know how
difficult it could be. Some people decide to make drastic changes, but
when they face the difficulties, they just lack motivation and give up.
The secret to healthy living is making small changes:
glass of water in the morning, more physical activity, optimistic point
of view – these are just a few simple ways to improve your lifestyle.
Small changes lead to big results!
1. Drink a Glass of Water in the Morning
Wake up in the morning and drink one glass of room temperature water
first off. You can put a slice of lemon or lime in the water, if you
don’t like it’s natural taste. Water helps to clear our system, bring on
metabolism rate and flush out the toxins. Some people even say, that it
helps to reduce weight!
2. Sleep Enough
Lack of sleep makes you feel tired and angry, you can’t concentrate your attention. Lack of sleep can damage your physical health (especially heart) as well.
Some studies have shown that 8 hours of sleep per 24-hour period is the
average requirement for adults. But all people are different and need
for sleep can range from 6 to 10 hours. If you feel sleepy during 4pm
and 6pm, you probably do not get enough rest.
3. Stretch in the Morning!
Instead of snoozing in the morning, you can use your time more wisely.
Stretch your back, your legs, your neck. It will wake your body from
sleep. Stretching in the morning increases blood flow to your muscles
providing an extra shot of oxygen and preparing them for a new day.
4. Snack the Healthy Way
Potato chips, salted nuts, candies, cookies and other tasty stuff are
definitely unhealthy for your body. They contain lots of fat, salt,
sugar. Choose raw nuts, fresh fruits or berries instead, they are rich
in vitamins and minerals.
5. Eat Breakfast!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for you
weight loss seekers. If you skip it, you’ll get hungry long before lunch
and will start snacking on foods that are high in fat and sugar, but
low in vitamins. Researchers at the 2003 American Heart Association
conference reported that breakfast eaters are significantly less likely
to be obese and get diabetes compared with non-breakfast eaters. It’s enough to get up only 15minutes earlier to fix a healthy dish, like omelet with vegetables or fruit salad with yogurt.
6. Take a Daily Walk
We all know about the advantages of physical activity, but most of us
have neither time, nor desire to exercise. Use the stairs as often as
possible instead of the elevator, take a walk with your friends, walk
your dog a bit longer, than usually – use any possibility to be more
physically active. Researchers say, that people only need to walk up to
12 miles per week or for about 125 to 200 minutes per week to improve
their heart health.
7. Make Social Connections.
It is said that lonely people are more likely to become ill and die younger. People who have no friends are more stressed, depressed and often less
physically active. Moreover, experts say that how socially connected a
person tends to be is one of the most important ways of predicting his health and independence in later years.
8. Study Ingredient Lists of Your Favorite Products.
Product’s ingredient list is very important as it shows you whether the
food you’re about to buy contains unnatural and unhealthy ingredients.
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of unhealthy ingredients on the
market and it is almost impossible to remember all of them. Luckily,
you can find a lot of information on the Internet about them, so study
all of your favorite and most common foods, cosmetics and other products
you buy. Harmful ingredients may cause various diseases, allergic
reactions and even cancer.
9. Find New Activities!
Pick up a new activity involving the whole family and friends such as
hiking, group sports, skiing or riding a bicycle. Finding a hobby can
give you the enjoyment and reduce stress. You’ll also start meeting
people who have the same interests as you and may make some new friends (
remember the #7 advise). Enjoy your new hobby and remember – happy
people live longer
10. Love Your Life!
Relax! Don’t get nervous and angry because of the trivial things. Don’t
be too serious. Smile, love others, and always look on the bright side
of life!
