The journey of living a healthy lifestyle is made up of conscious healthy choices on a daily basis. Forget the quick fixes that provide temporary results, here are 10 proven actions you should start implementing in 2018 to improve your long-term health.
1. Rest
Sleep allows your mind and body to rest, so that you can wake up refreshed, revitalized and energetic. If you struggle to sleep or experience restless nights, consider cutting down on caffeine in the hours leading up to bed, and avoid screens an hour before you sleep.
2. Say No to Fats
Overindulgence in fats can clog up your arteries, leading to a variety of debilitating illnesses. Replace fats with healthier alternatives like fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and vegetables, and use healthier cooking methods such as baking, poaching, and grilling your food.
3. Exercise
The benefits of regular exercise cannot be overstated. Take part in at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week, to better circulation and sleep, strengthen your bones and heart, eliminate excess fat, tone your muscles, and improve your flexibility and lung health.
4. Laugh & Hug
The benefits of happiness, positive thinking, hugs and laughter are not limited to your emotional and mental health. Laughter has been linked to improved blood flow, pain relief, decreased stress, and increased immune cells. Find a friend today and share a funny joke.
5. Less Salt & Sugar
Heavy salt and sugar intake has negative impacts on your blood pressure. Swap salt for herbs and spices and swap sweets and deserts for sugar-free treats.
6. Drink Water
When you are properly hydrated, digestion, detoxification, and absorption of nutrients is more efficient. Also, proper skin hydration comes as a direct result of drinking water, giving your skin an improved appearance.
7. Visit your Chiropractor
Regular chiropractic care offers a multitude of benefits for your physical and mental health, including but not limited to pain and stress relief, better sleep, improved thyroid and cardiovascular health, increased energy, and an improved immune system.
8. Meditate
Meditation allows you to disconnect from the fast-moving world and de-stress, improving and increasing your concentration, happiness, and self-awareness. The next time you feel overwhelmed find a quiet place to sit, and practice deep, steady, and regular breathing, until your body starts to relax.
9. Wash Your Hands
It’s easy to pick up germs when you share spaces with many people. That’s why it’s advisable to regularly wash your hands with soap to avoid catching any illnesses.
10. Spend Time in Nature
Take a walk outdoors, go cycling, lie on the grass, or start gardening. The warm sun and fresh and oxygen-rich air will leave you healthier, happier and stress-free.
Maintaining good physical, emotional, and mental health should be your number one priority. Make the decision this New Year to start taking steps towards improved health.