Do you want to live healthier but are too daunted by the lifestyle change? We get you. Living a healthy lifestyle can sound exhausting.
Peeking into the lives of fitness influencers and wellness gurus, a “healthy life” seems impossible to achieve. Although their way of living is good and wholesome, healthy living doesn’t have to be complicated. With some easy steps, you can turn your life around and live healthier and happier. Try doing these 5 simple things you can do every day to look after your health.
#1 Drink Plenty of Water
There are a myriad of benefits you can get by simply staying hydrated. Because it helps deliver nutrients to your body’s cells, its positive effects impact you from head to toe. You’ll be surprised how it can keep your hair healthy and skin looking fresh. It also helps your muscles deal with fatigue, sustain a healthy brain and heart, flush toxins from your body, promote healthy bowel functions, boost your mental health, and more. Since water makes up 50% to 70% of our weight, our bodies need water to survive and keep functioning. Women are recommended to drink about 2.5L of water daily, while men should get 3.7L from a combination of food and drink.
#2: Eat Lots of Vegetables
According to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, a standard serving of vegetables should be about 75g for adults. And it’s no wonder why; vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for maintaining your health. For instance, vegetables are rich in folate, which helps your body generate new red blood cells. This nutrient is vital in preventing many diseases, such as cancer and depression. They’re also high in fibre which aids digestion and reduces heart risks.
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are a good source of potassium that helps your kidneys filter out sodium and lower your blood pressure. Furthermore, vegetables are also beneficial for fighting inflammation, strengthening your eyes, improving your skin, stabilising your blood pressure, keeping your brain healthy, boosting your immune system, and more!
#3: Make Sure You’re Getting Plenty of Fibre
Fibre is another essential nutrient that makes whole foods, fruits, and vegetables good for you. It’s best known for promoting good digestion and gut health, but its benefits are more than that. Foods rich in fibre help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent chronic diseases like heart diseases, diabetes, and some cancers.
To get more fibre in your diet, opt for whole grain variants such as oats, and whole wheat bread and pasta. You can also use beans as your source of fibre, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables. Look for high-fibre recipes and experiment with new foods.
#4: Move More
Physical activity improves your quality of life. For instance, it’s linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving strength, less stress, better mood, and more! What’s good is you don’t need to spend gruelling hours in the gym to reap the benefits of exercise. Research says 30 minutes of exercise a day is enough to see results. If you don’t have any time for a full workout, we recommend breaking them into shorter sessions. You can also try to squeeze in some movements during your day. For example, you can take the stairs instead of the lift or walk rather than driving. You can also squeeze in stretch breaks at work or a few squats while you watch TV.
#5: Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
The importance of getting sufficient and good quality sleep cannot be stressed enough. It helps your body rest and rejuvenate, so you can be ready to face a new day. Moreover, sleep plays a crucial role in keeping your brain healthy and reducing the risk of mental health disorders. The key is to get 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to ensure we’re reaping all the benefits.
However, for many of us, insomnia can get in the way of getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why good sleep hygiene is vital for your health. Sleep hygiene consists of your bedroom environment and routines that promote consistent quality sleep. Some of the best sleep hygiene habits include keeping a set bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, and limiting the light in your bedroom. It’s important to note that good sleep hygiene can differ from one person to another. As you know, each sleeper has different needs. So, mix and match daily routines and see what works best for you.
Living a healthier life essentially means taking time for self-care. Now, this could be different for everyone. What’s crucial is sticking to your new habits to live a consistently healthy life. If you find yourself having difficulties in your commitment, jot down the reasons why you want to make a lifestyle change so you can remind yourself to keep going. Keeping a list and tracking your progress are also good motivators. Just remember, it takes about three months of consistent daily practice before a behaviour becomes a habit. Until then, you must keep pushing.
