Starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is never easy, but it’ll reward you with great, lifelong results. Experts have stated that lifelong good health can be achieved through “lifestyle medicine.” This refers to necessary changes in one’s diet, stress management and exercise habits.
Making a conscious lifestyle change can feel daunting and yet, inspiring. Knowing where to start can be quite confusing, but the key is to take it one step at a time. Here are six lifestyle changes that can take you closer to a healthier life:
1. Change your diet
What goes into your body plays a vital role in your health. A healthier lifestyle means that dietary changes are necessary.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates like white rice and opt for whole, unprocessed carbohydrates like brown rice. Unprocessed carbohydrates provide minerals, vitamins, fibre, and other essential nutrients.
- Cut down on foods rich in saturated fats. Instead, eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and have a positive impact on depressed moods.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables to get essential vitamins and minerals.
- Replace sugary drinks with green tea or black coffee. Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages with low-calorie counts and is filled with antioxidants.
- Finally, drink at least 7-8 glasses of water daily. Hydration is important for clear skin and healthy organs.
2. Create an exercise habit
Exercising is a must for a healthier lifestyle. Daily exercise can delay ageing, improve bone density, regularize blood pressure and improve your fitness. Even ten minutes of exercise can have a hefty impact.
You don’t have to opt for regular exercises like sit-ups and planks. Try different kinds of dance, try hula-hooping, ride a bike, swim or go skipping. And you can also choose to walk short distances rather than take a cab or bus.
3. Reset your sleep schedule
Your body carries out a lot of repairs during sleep. A good sleep routine means better concentration and healthy organs. Make your life healthier by improving your sleep routine.
But you don’t have to throw off your entire schedule, just try going to bed a little earlier each night or a few nights a week. Gradually improve your routine until you can achieve the recommended seven to nine hours each night.
If you find it difficult to get to sleep, try meditation or yoga. Sleeping in a dark room and eating snacks, oatmeal, whole-grain cereal with milk, or chamomile tea can make it easier to get to sleep.
4. Have Good Healthcare
Having comprehensive healthcare in place will cover you against any illnesses or accidents, and it is a great way to help your health. Not only will good healthcare allow you to treat issues at the first sign of trouble, but you will also be able to consult with experts on diet and lifestyle changes that will help you be your healthiest self.
5. Take a break
Remember that mental health is a key component of overall health. When trying to accomplish anything, remember to take time for breaks. Give yourself time to rest and refresh. Give yourself permission to shorten your workout. Perhaps try incorporating something like https://perfectplantmarket.com/collections/thca-flower into your daily routine, or simply have it on hand for whenever you feel particularly stressed. Step back from stressful events. In essence, don’t be ashamed or afraid to take a break.
6. Protect your skin
Excessive sun exposure is linked to skin cancer. Skin cancer is increasing in prevalence and is a severe health issue. Keep your skin safe by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. Sunscreen should be used on exposed body parts like the face, neck, arms and hands.
Ensure your sunscreen has a minimum SPF of 15 and is a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid sunbathing or using tanning booths.
Living a healthier life requires substantial life changes. The good thing is you can incorporate these changes into your life gradually. Take one step today, and before you know it, you have climbed the mountain.
