5 Easy Habits to Include Everyday to Feel Better, Increase Health, and Live Longer
Trying to live a healthier life can be very overwhelming.
Nutrition science often contradicts and there aren’t enough hours in the day to think, let alone think of health.
Luckily, there are simple habits that can be applied to anyone, which can lead to a stronger body, mind, and life.
Check out these easy and quick daily habits you can incorporate to dramatically increase wellness and live a healthier life.
1. Exercise
Many individuals live a sedentary lifestyle.
Desk jobs are common and more people are working from home than ever before.
Only about 20% of Americans get the minimum requirement of exercise needed to live a longer, healthier life.
This would be about 150 minutes of a moderate aerobic workout per week.
It does not have to be high intensity or difficult; think, a brisk walk, biking, or swimming.
However, if time is limited, you can also switch this out for 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, such as running or aerobic dancing.
Not exercising increases your risk for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and much more
The best would be a combination of different activities, but even a small exercise helps increase overall wellbeing and health.
Particularly if it gets you up and moving.
Sitting too long can increase the risk for metabolic problems and reduce longevity, even if you do exercise.
2. Practice Mindful Breathing
This step is targeting stress in our lives.
Constant stress is one of the worst states for the body to be in.
Stress induces high cortisol levels, associated with inflammation.
This inflammation can decrease cardiovascular health, reduce immune system response, and affect mental health negatively.
Decreasing stress can decrease your risk for cancer, high blood pressure, and viral infection, and colds.
Breathing in a mindful, conscious way, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the body responsible for reducing cortisol and adrenaline and relaxing the body.
3. Drink Less
Studies have found that people are drinking more than ever.
Fun right?
The problem is alcohol hasn’t suddenly become healthier, it’s just more readily available, especially with “low carb” seltzers and the rising popularity of wine tastings.
People who drink too much increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, metabolic problems, and mental health problems.
People who drink more are associated with reduced quality of sleep, weight gain, and report more feelings of helplessness.
It can easily lead to dehydration, weakens the immune system, and even worsens your skin.
4. Improve Quality of Sleep
1 in 4 individuals have experienced, are experiencing, or will experience insomnia.
We all know that sleep is important, but research is now showing just how vital.
When we sleep, the body undergoes an important cleansing and repair.
Without this maintenance, we put ourselves at risk for preventable health problems.
Poor quality of sleep increases the risk for a variety of illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
Practice good sleeping habits before bed for a restful night!
5. Eat at least One Home-cooked Meal a Day
Processed food is on the rise; it’s convenient, it’s quick, it’s cheap.
The problem is that processed food is filled with additives, preservatives, and chemicals that are detrimental to our wellness and overall health.
Some additives can increase weight, cause inflammation of the digestive tract, kill essential gut bacteria, and even increase your risk for cancer.
Combat this by knowing what is going in your food, and adding at least one homemade meal per day.
Fill your plate with healthy vegetables full of vitamins and minerals.
Practice meal prepping if time is limited and make your meals for the week.
Consider freezing your own homemade meals for a quick healthy frozen dinner whenever you want.
The Takeaway
Small habits can add up and increase your health.
Practice daily fitness habits to live longer and healthier, even if it’s walking, as this can dramatically improve wellbeing.
Remember to pay attention to stress levels and monitor your mental health with meditation or breathing exercises.
Learn all about ingredients and know what you’re putting in your body.
Health starts from the inside out!