By This proves that you don’t have to spend much time and money to become healthy.
I have always been a big believer in simplicity over complexity. I don’t take endless supplements or stick to a controlled diet. Instead, it’s all about adapting to the small things that can make a big difference over a long period. Ever since my parents died, I knew that the leading cause of their cancer diagnosis was poor lifestyle habits. Unfortunately, those habits included a lack of exercise and less-than-ideal nutritional habits. Being young and silly, I adapted to the same habits, too — until I began to experience negative health consequences myself. I believe we are given health challenges to wake us up from the dream that we’re indestructible. However, believing that eating anything and never suffering the health consequences is a delusion. My parent’s death was the consequence. We’re all going to die one day — but I’d prefer to die as healthy as possible and live a disease-free life. I hope you share the same value for your own life too. If we don’t have our health, we have nothing. There isn’t anything more important than our health. Here are some straightforward micro habits that will serve you for life.
One: Find your most effective de-stressing mechanism
One thing we all suffer from is elevated and constant stress levels. It’s not abnormal, given the circumstances we’re all in. Future recession outlook, stock market crashes, and the risk of losing your job play a part. You don’t need a family to support you to feel stressed. Unfortunately, the young, middle-aged, and older generations feel it now more than ever. Although stress will never leave you throughout your life, it’s crucial to find a means of combating it. A few minutes a day to recharge and regain clarity through breathing, exercise, walking in the park or listening to music are some of the many helpful & popular mind easers. Don’t have any? Find something enjoyable you currently use that helps you de-stress. It’s probably something you do without realising. Happy people tend to be healthier and have a more positive outlook on life — plus, they live longer. So, why not be in that frame of mind as often as you can — no matter what’s happening around you?
Two: Eat more real food than not
We sometimes sacrifice our health because of many reasons. For example, I can get lazy after a long night at work or when I’m super tired. You need the best nutrition possible on days like this — from real food. Eating a variety of good quality, clean and healthy food is the best way to re-energise yourself and keep you well away from developing disease and succumbing to obesity. Processed foods might hit the spot for a small moment, but over the long term, they make you feel unwell. When you eat real food that’s not packaged or processed, it will only become natural to feel and look a whole lot better. So, if you are sacrificing nutrition because of a long day, take my tip and pre-prepare most of your meals. Therefore, when you get home, it’s only a matter of placing something in the oven or reheating it. Make it simple and easy for yourself every day.
Three: Move constantly
Sadly, this activity is not enough for good health if you already exercise. Spending hours sitting down and staring at your computer screen can affect your health. People that lead sedentary lives put themselves at risk of illnesses. Buy yourself a standing desk, take regular ‘tea or toilet’ breaks — anything to get you up off that chair and moving around. Although you might be busy, a quick break of intense focus will help you reset and get back on track.
Four: Must have beverage — water
I mention water a lot, but it’s the essence of life. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, and it makes sense that we need to replenish our bodies with water for optimal functioning, good health and well-being. Dehydration — even in small amounts, can wreak your focus, concentration and mood. It’s no surprise that your energy levels also take a big downward hit. Avoid sugar-type beverages and even diet ones. Instead, occasionally stick with good old water, herbal tea and perhaps a few bubbles. This is all about balance. Want to know if you are dehydrated? If your wee is yellow, you need much more water than you realise.
Five: Shut your eyes at a decent hour
I’ve been so good with my sleep lately — then a deadline at work got out of control and threw my whole eating, training and concentration plan out the window because of one late night. All it takes is one late night to throw you off. We need sleep to repair our mental and physical health — it’s essential, but many people don’t take sleep seriously enough (me included!). Lack of sleep can also increase your chances of obesity, stroke and heart disease. So aim to get about seven to nine hours per night — every single night. Before you go to bed, do a little sleep hygiene regime’ that eliminates electronics and turns off bright lights and noise. Also, don’t forget to turn your phone to ‘sleep mode.’ That will stop any necessary ‘pings’ waking you up in the middle of the night.
Key take away
As the days and months roll by, it’s easier to forget the small things that can make a difference in our lives. But, once you attempt these little habits, your life will improve. One habit at a time builds a better and more fulfilling life, and don’t we all want to live it as healthily as possible? It’s not the grand scale changes that matter- but the little ones that spill over into other parts of our lives to make it all the more full-filling.
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