Tips On How To Live A Healthier Lifestyle
Over the last few years, statistics show that more people are becoming health conscious for several reasons. Well, whatever that motivating factor is, it has pivoted each individual toward a better and healthier version of themself, and we are here to help. In this article, we will share some of the most basic ways on how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Do Not Smoke & Avoid Secondhand Smoke
One of the most integral parts of leading a healthy lifestyle is the avoidance of smoking. We all know that smoking is a primary contributor to so many diseases, so needless to say, it is bad for our health. In fact, the CDC warns that cigarette smoking increases the risk of death from all causes in both men and women. So if you indulge in smoking, even occasionally, we recommend that you start working on cessation. Try a tapering off approach; it involves smoking less each day until you reach that point where you are no longer smoking.
Get Adequate Rest
There are many advantages of getting enough rest each night. After a good night’s sleep, you should be more capable of managing stress, and it even puts you in better control of your appetite. As it relates to the physiological effects of rest, sleep is associated with fast-tracking the repair of our heart and blood vessels, according to research data.
On the other hand, continuously depriving our bodies of sleep may throw our “hunger hormones” out of balance. As a result, one may experience a loss of appetite control, which leads to issues like overeating. Sleep is also instrumental to our cognitive functioning; for example, getting less than adequate sleep will cause poor concentration and slow responses. Consistent sleep deficiency is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and a host of other illnesses. Remember, there is no cure for sleep except sleep.
Steps you should considered trying if you are not getting adequate rest:
- Create an environment conducive to sleep, such as a dark, cool, and quiet room.
- Develop a bedtime routine to get your body in the mood for sleep.
- Avoid consuming caffeine in the hours prior to bedtime.
- No electronics in bed. Computers, TVs, cell phones, etc., should be avoided at least an hour before bedtime.
If these measures fail, speak to your physician or a sleep coach to see what solutions you can employ.
Exercise Regularly & Maintain A Healthy Weight
According to statistics from the CDC, from 2017 to 2018, approximately 42.4% of the United States’ population was overweight and obese. Such a figure is frightening since obesity is linked to many chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and various cancers.
When we exercise, we lower our risk for all the above-listed conditions and more. Being active for at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week can amass significant physical and psychological benefits, such as:
- Improve memory and brain function
- Lower blood pressure and improve heart health
- Improve your quality of sleep
- Decrease feelings of depression and anxiety
- Reduce joint pain and stiffness
Your typical day outlook to achieve a healthier lifestyle:
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep
- Wake up early
- Drink water throughout the day
- Exercise at least 20 mins every day
- Eat healthy meals and snacks
- Go to bed early
Kudos to you if you are already on this journey. If you are not getting the desired outcome or if you are planning to start, it’s best to speak with a nutritionist, who will be instrumental in formulating a realistic meal plan to include balanced meals throughout the day. Also, start off with a fitness expert who will get you set up with the ideal workout routine. Excess weight is an issue that so many of us face, but getting professional assistance always makes the journey a more manageable one. Bear in mind; consistency is key; it is the only way you will see results and become motivated to continue!
Sometimes we think that we are living a healthy lifestyle; however, we often come across information that shows us where we may be going wrong. As such, it is essential that on a regular basis, we evaluate our lifestyle choices. If you are thinking of joining the healthy lifestyle group, it’s never too late; come along. Whatever your reason, it is good to take the initiative of wanting to lead a healthy lifestyle; let’s ensure you are doing it right.
