Living a healthy lifestyle is important for so many different reason. But it can be difficult to achieve in today’s world. With everything aimed at making our lives more efficient and less physically demanding, it can be hard to maintain a healthy living standard. There are plenty of simple changes you can make to your everyday life to help promote a healthier life. These basic techniques can have a massive effect on your overall health when used over time.
By having a healthy lifestyle you can protect yourself from many different health problems. Including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, kidney disease, becoming overweight or obese and many others. It can also improve your overall quality of life, giving you more energy to do the things you love, more confidence in yourself and more time to spend with your loved ones.
Here are a few simple tips, that when used over time can have massive benefits towards improving your lifestyle.
1. Cycle or walk to the shops instead of driving. When you need to go to the store that is only 5 minutes down the road, do you really need to drive? Not only will you be doing your body a whole lot of good, but you will be saving yourself fuel money and helping the environment too!
2. When you do the big weekly food shop. Park further away from the store. Walk as much as you can and get as much physical activity into your day as possible.
3. Use household chores as a way to get your heart rate pumping. Activities like washing your car, vacuuming, washing the windows or even active gardening are great ways to improve your health. Don’t take the easy route by taking your car to the car wash down the road, or getting a window cleaner in. Do it yourself!
4. Join a local sports team or group. Sign up for a charity run/bike ride. These type of activities are great events to train for, you can even train together with friends and help motivate each other. Try and exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, whether this be brisk walking, cycling, jogging or even playing a sport. Anything that gets your heart rate going and works your cardiovascular system.
5. Different countries have varied fruit and vegetables recommendations. But a good level to aim for is 2-3 fruit servings and 5-6 vegetables servings. Spread these out throughout the day instead of trying to cram them all in after work. Take fruit snacks to work instead of unhealthy foods. Add some fruit to your breakfast cereal in the morning. Eating right will not only help you lose weight, but lower your risk of many medical conditions and leave you feeling more energetic.
6. Drink plenty of water, preferably 1.5-2 litres a day but more if you are sweating a lot or exercising. Carry a bottle of water with you at work so you can sip throughout the day. Don’t try to drink all your daily water needs once you get home from work.
7. Have fun! Surround yourself with happy, motivating and positive people. Make lasting relationships and enjoy life! Spend time outside in the fresh air with friends and family.
8. Stop smoking! Everybody knows how much it damages your health and the people around you. Quit now and forever maintain a healthier lifestyle.
9. Accept yourself for who you are. You are unique and a truly beautiful person. Minimise stress and lead a healthier, happy lifestyle.
