Did you know that a mere ten minutes of physical activity
each day could increase your longevity? Or that getting adequate sleep leads to
a slimmer waistline? There are so many simple things one can do in order to
live more healthily that it’s practically unavoidable. People tend to associate
being active and eating well as signing up for a gym membership and living off
of salads. However, this definitely does not have to be the case. After
reviewing several articles, I have comprised a list of the tips I feel are most
beneficial. Anyone wishing to improve their health status can easily
incorporate these changes into their every day routine.
1)
Eat!
This tip suggests trading heavily
processed foods for real whole-foods. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
and meat that did not originate from a conveyor belt. Remember that moderation
is key and sweets should be consumed as you please, but perhaps less
frequently.
2)
Sleep!
Cramming for exams until three in
the morning might be taking a bigger toll on your health than you think.
Studies have shown that a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night can provide
numerous benefits. Some of these include strengthening your immune system and
promoting a stable weight.
3)
Move!
Having a busy schedule is
relatable, but you should always take some time in order to get active. Whether
it is taking a brisk walk, biking to work, or walking up the stairs, your
movement adds up. Even tasks such as vacuuming can be good for your body.
Movement releases endorphins that lower stress levels and improve focus.
4)
Relax!
Stress is slowly becoming one of
the main problem causing factors of health-issues. Taking a minute to breathe
or meditate can reduce this strain and promote an overall better wellbeing.
Some relaxation methods include practicing yoga and writing.
5)
Smile!
Laughing is not only linked with a
longer lifespan, it also has a variety of positive effects. Like exercise, laughter releases endorphins
and strengthens the heart. It can boost the immune system and relax tension as
well, which makes it the perfect remedy.
Sources:
Health. "Get up." - Ways to Get Healthy Today. Health Media Ventures, 2013. Web. 09 Feb. 2014.
Health. "Have a Healthy Weight." - 11 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleep. Health Media Ventures, 2013. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.
Smith, Melinda. "Laughter Is the Best Medicine." : The Health Benefits of Humor. Help Guide, May 2013. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.
Sunset, Lake Michigan. Personal photograph by author. 2013.
I love this post and I don't think that it could be any more true. I agree that eating, sleeping, being active, relaxing, and smiling are key to living a healthier life.
ReplyDeleteI am taking a kinesiology class right now called healthy lifestyles and we've actually covered a lot of these things in class and how they can affect your overall health in a positive way.
Thanks for sharing, I think nutrition is an awesome field and it's so interesting. There's so much to know and it's all so relevant to our every day lives! What made you interested in nutrition?
This is a very interesting post. A lot of people don't realize that it's the little things you do during the day that make you healthier. Referring to the eating section, are there any foods in particular that have great benefits to your health? What are the benefits?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you really enjoying learning about dieting and fitness. I love that stuff too. Are you planning on pursuing a career in this field, and if so which one? At one point I wanted to be an Athletic Trainer but I change to Physician in Sports Medicine.
ReplyDelete