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Most people believe in the adage, that, “health is wealth” This means if you do hope to have a better and befitting life.
Then your health should be a priority. It means you have to change some aspects and approaches of your life.
I often share with people, that I
believe in the power of change. We cannot change the past, but we can set goals
in the present, and create a new future.
We also know that there are
habits we need to cultivate to make the future better than the past. And we
tend to be quite forgetful about these good habits, as we move forward in time.
It’s important to start at the
right time, and to make healthy lifestyle changes, even if you feel like you’re
giving it all up.
Here are 15 habits that can make your life better.
1. Eat Less Red Meat
Red meat is a major source of saturated fat, which is implicated in cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis of 19 studies that included more than half a million people suggested a linear relation between saturated fat intake and cardiovascular risk.
If you’re wondering why is
this a bad thing?
Well, saturated fat increases LDL
(or ‘bad cholesterol), which can lead to inflammation in your arteries. But
there is good news.
We need to consume some fat to
maintain a healthy weight. We need it to absorb some of the vitamins and
minerals from our food.
However, studies showed that a diet low in saturated fat was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease.
2. Don’t Eat Candy.
There’s more to chocolate than just an addictive, satisfying source of sugar. The type of chocolate you consume can have some amazing effects on your health
The dark and bittersweet varieties are believed to boost cognitive functions and mood, while white chocolate is thought to have antidepressant properties.
3. Drink Water
It also cleanses the body,
reduces bloating, improves muscle strength, and helps with digestion.
4. Eat More Veggies.
Dark green vegetables are believed to reduce inflammation and may even be anti-cancer.
If you’re not eating enough of these nutritious foods, or if they’re not your first choice, try to incorporate them into your meals.
For example, you can mix carrot sticks with your salad, have avocado on your pasta, or add shredded cabbage to your stir-fry.
5. Walk A Lot.
Physical exercise is a great tool to get rid of stress and maintain a healthy body.
It can also help lower your blood pressure, improve your mood, and reduce your risk of chronic disease. So, as much as you can, try to make physical activity part of your routine.
You don’t have to join a gym, but you can walk.
You could try walking around the neighborhood or use the steps you take to get to your car. Or, try jogging. Running can have a great impact on your mental health. It can lift your mood and even boost your energy.
6. Start Using Sunscreen.
Sunlight exposure is the number one source of vitamin D in our diets, so we must get enough of it.
If you don’t use sunscreen, you’re exposing yourself to the sun. And you’re probably getting less than you need.
So, make sure you get enough of the UV rays that protect us against sun damage. And wear a hat, too. If you take the time to protect yourself, you won’t have to ask others to protect you.
7. Stop Smoking.
If you’re trying to quit smoking, you may need to change your lifestyle, such as changing the foods you eat. Eating healthier is the best way to cope with cravings, or the urge to light up a cigarette.
However, if you still smoke, try to make small changes in your daily habits, like eating less sugar and eating healthier food options.
You could start to eat better, by incorporating more vegetables and drinking more water. And if you drink alcohol, try to reduce the amount you drink, or switch to beer or cider instead.
8. Use Herbal Supplements.
Many people use herbal supplements as part of their daily health routine. Herbs can be good at regulating blood pressure and stabilizing your mood, and they can help to improve the immune system.
Many of these herbs have been
used for thousands of years, and are recognized by a lot of health and medical
authorities.
You can read more about the herbal supplements that are recommended by medical experts and scientists on the internet and find out yourself about this from experts in this field,
If you’re going to use herbs, try to get them from reputable companies
9. Stop Snacking.
Don’t eat when you’re not hungry. If you don’t feel like eating at night, try to keep it as far from dinnertime as possible. And try to reduce your snacking, and eat regular meals.
The best options are whole grain foods, like cereals and crackers. These are filling and good for your overall health.
10. Eat Breakfast.
Breakfast is a great way to kickstart your day. You should eat breakfast every day, and you should eat it as close to the time you get up as possible.
If you’re a late riser, try eating more whole grain food options. Try oatmeal, porridge, and a bowl of yogurt with fruit.
If you’re still an early riser, try to start your day with a protein and fiber-rich breakfast, such as a scrambled egg.
11. Be More Social
Many people have a hard time
taking the time to socialize. But having social interactions can be a
very healthy habit.
You may think that meeting new people makes you anxious, but it allows you to connect with other people. And it can make your life happier.
When I met my boyfriend, I made new friends. I got my career, and I got my health. I also made new friends. It changed my life because it changed the people I was surrounded by.
12. Take Up A Hobby.
If you have a hobby that you love to do, you’ll find that you won’t want to spend the day doing anything else. It will make you happy, and you won’t feel like doing anything else.
It can be as simple as doing crossword puzzles, or as complicated as a lifelong art collection. If you don’t have a hobby, look into taking a class or joining a group.
13. Listen To Music.
Listening to music is a great way to reduce stress. It’s also a great way to stimulate your brain, relax, and help you sleep
Make sure to listen to something that makes you happy, like rock, country, or even classical music.
14. Set Small Goals
Have you ever given yourself a
personal challenge that you couldn’t keep? It may sound silly, but it’s a great
way to motivate yourself.
If you resolve to stop smoking,
for example, it’s very easy to tell yourself, “I’ll just stay in the house for
the next month”. And when you inevitably light up one too many cigarettes,
you’ll give up the challenge.
The trick is to set yourself
small goals. If you set a goal to drink three cups of water a day for a month,
it’s easier to keep up with than to stop smoking.
So, try something small that you know you can keep up with. And if you’re not able to keep it up, it’s ok. Just make another small goal, until you’re able to keep the first one.
15. Remember To Breathe.
When you start to feel
stressed or anxious, try to take deep breaths. If you’re worried about
something, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s often helpful to take a couple of
slow, deep breaths.
When you start to feel better,
take a few more slow, deep breaths.
We also have emotions, and we
need to take time to calm them down. You can do that by taking deep breaths.
I used to work in a job where
people had to make decisions about who to buy insurance for, and that took a
lot of my focus.
But if I try to get away from that environment, my stress levels get higher. I’ve found that taking deep breaths helps to relax me. It helps to slow down my thoughts.
Conclusion
So, try to change your habits.
But if you can’t, try to incorporate some of these habits, to make your life a
little bit better.
And remember, even if you don’t feel like making the changes you want to make, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a bad life.
It just means that your habits are out of control. And that you
need to take charge of them.
Disclaimer: The views
expressed in this article are those of authors from in-depth research and
findings because every person’s experience is different.
This article is for information
only, not medical advice or instruction. The information provided does not
constitute a doctor/patient relationship.
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