“I want to be healthier, but I don’t know where to start.”
While the majority of Americans agree they want to live healthier lives, most feel overwhelmed at the thought of implementing healthy habits. In fact, 80% believe being healthy means making sacrifices.
But the truth is, there are habits that do wonders for your health and are simple to integrate into your routine. We list seven of them below.
1. Drink More Water
One of the best habits for your health is increasing the amount of water your drink. Water helps the body:
- Excrete waste via perspiration and urination
- Produce saliva
- Regulate temperature
- Protect tissues, joints, and the spinal cord
- Prevent constipation
- Improve digestion
But despite its health benefits, more than half of US adults do not drink enough water.
Men should drink 15.5 cups of water a day, and women should aim for 11.5. The easiest way to boost your water intake is by carrying a water bottle with you. Having water nearby reminds you to drink it and makes it easy to track how much water you have consumed.
If water doesn’t appeal to you, flavor it with fruits like strawberries, oranges, lemons, and raspberries. Fill a pitcher with water and let the fruit soak. The water will absorb the fruit’s sweetness and aroma, making it more appetizing.
2. Invest in Your Sleep Space
From healthcare business brokers to doctors, all healthcare professionals agree that better wellness begins in the bedroom.
A good night’s sleep is an essential part of a healthy routine. It rejuvenates the mind, rests the muscles, and prepares the body for another day.
Mentally, getting enough sleep leads to better focus and productivity during the day. Those who receive adequate amounts of sleep have a lower risk of depression and anxiety. Physically, sleep bolsters our immune system, decreases inflammation, and regulates our blood pressure.
Ensure a healthy night’s rest by investing in your sleep space.
Purchase blackout curtains that prevent sunlight from disturbing your slumber. Buy a white noise machine to block out noises. Upgrade your bedding, pillows, and mattress to make your bed so cozy that you fall asleep as soon as you lie down.
3. Eat Slower
Gobbling down your food doesn’t do you any good. Eating too fast is an unhealthy habit that disrupts digestion and leads to overeating.
Take your time. Chew food slowly and drink water between bites.
Eating leisurely gives your body more time to process the food in the digestive tract and mind. The brain can signal when it is full, which allows for better weight control.
Slowing down your eating habits is also a form of mindfulness. It allows you to experience different flavors, appreciate your meals, and release stress.
4. Take Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin) plays a key role in calcium absorption, bone growth, mental wellness, and immune system health. But despite its importance, 42% of Americans are vitamin D deficient.
The easiest way to boost vitamin D is by enjoying some sweet sunshine. For those living in cold and cloudy areas, however, the winter months make this difficult.
But supplements make staying healthy during every season easy-peasy.
Invest in all-natural vitamin D supplements. Get into the habit of taking the supplements once a day. The nutrients immediately boost vitamin D levels and help your body fight off diseases, depression, and unwanted weight gain.
5. Incorporate More Vegetables Into Your Meals
The key to good health is eating vegetable-rich meals. And no, we are not referring to corn and potatoes.
Some of the best vegetables to add to your diet include:
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Onions
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Green peas
- Ginger
- Asparagus
- Red cabbage
Replace starchy vegetables with heart-healthy ones. Incorporating a variety of veggies into your daily diet will not only make you feel better, but the vegetables will also lower your risk of chronic diseases.
6. Replace Butter With Olive Oil
Instead of cooking with butter, reach for the extra virgin olive oil instead.
Olive oil is the healthiest fat on earth. It contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that boost our overall wellness.
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil contains a heaping helping of anti-inflammatory substances. Therefore, increasing your intake of olive oil helps your body fight off severe disorders like:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
Replacing butter with extra virgin olive oil is a simple way to slowly introduce the oil into your diet and make your meals healthier. Start by using olive oil to grease your pans as opposed to butter. As you get used to the taste (and health benefits), you will find yourself cooking with olive oil more frequently.
7. Set Movement Goals
Most Americans understand the dangers of living a sedentary lifestyle. Take action and enhance your wellness by setting (and achieving) movement goals.
Use a fitness tracker or smartwatch to track your movements and hold yourself accountable for hitting your daily targets. If apps are not your style, use an exercise journal. Write down your desired movement times and check them off as you complete them.
While we should be engaging in vigorous aerobic exercises at least three times per week, we need to be moving every single day. This includes any activity that gets you out of your chair, increases heart rate, and boosts circulation. Try taking a walk, riding a bike, or practicing dynamic stretches.
Moving around during the day improves mental clarity, productivity, and focus. It releases stress and lowers your risk of heart disease and chronic joint pain.
More Lifestyle Tips for Your Health
Healthy habits are not hard to incorporate into your lifestyle. From replacing butter with healthier alternatives to enhancing your sleep space, improving your wellness is the best thing you can do for your present and future.
So, now that you are up-to-date on the best wellness hacks for your health, what’s next?
Check out our website for more lifestyle tips. From food to fashion to travel, our blog has the insights you need.
