It doesn’t matter where you look or turn, you’re bound to see or hear something about being healthier. In our forever-modernised lives, we are becoming lazier. Lazier in that 100 years ago, and 100 years before that, life was just more manual, where as now, it’s more auto.
It really isn’t that hard to lead a healthier, balanced lifestyle.
Here’s some tips you can perhaps print out and stick on your wall at work, in the bathroom at home or in your purse. No kidding around. Seeing a reminder of the basics can really help implement a healthier way of living.
1. Variety is the spice of life. Heard that before? Yes, it’s true – a variety of foods in your diet are essential. Lots of colourful fruits and vegetables with lean meats, nuts and seeds, legumes, dairy products and good oils are all you need. You don’t need processed foods. Try and think of what you could eat that comes straight from nature with, as little, if any, preparation involved.
2. Balance is important – so don’t overdo one food group and then forget another. Just switch it around, mix it up. Ensure you include fresh, in season and natural foods. It really is easy. If you can, try for an apple a day. Seriously. It’s not just a saying anymore, there’s evidence to show apples are just so good for you in so many ways.
3. Drink water. Not with cordial in it and not with fizz – just good, plain old water. Not only do you need water for the body to function properly as we are made up of so much water, but to help flush out toxins and other impurities that we are exposed to in everyday life. Not staying hydrated properly can cause lethargy and headaches, strain on the kidneys and more.
4. Eat your breakfast! Breakfast helps wake the body and kick start the metabolism. Eating a healthy breakfast with whole foods (not processed cereals or high sugar snacks) such as wholegrain toast with avocado supplies complex carbohydrates and protein – both essential to supply you with a good amount of energy to start the day. Breakfast also helps the brain kick into gear.
5. Don’t smoke. Simple as that. Don’t smoke. There’s nothing good about it.
6. Look after your teeth. More and more evidence is coming to the fore showing that unhealthy teeth and gums can lead to various diseases. Brush and floss twice a day and drink water. Water helps clean out your mouth.
7. Stress less. Stress is being linked to many diseases including cancer, cardiac disease, mental health issues and more. It’s hard to not stress in our fast-paced lives today with technology often demanding that we remain contactable. However, we don’t have to obey the technology. It is important to take time out. Learn to breathe properly – slowly and deeply from the diaphragm, not the stomach, and give meditation and mindfulness a go.
8. Exercise more and be active. Getting up off your bottom and moving is so important. We spend more of our lives at work than we used to and more time doing sedentary things like watching TV. So, think about moving more and that’s a start. Take the stairs, walk the dog, or just go for a walk. Join a gym or if money is required elsewhere, then create your own little circuit at home using books as weights, do lunges up and down the hallway. It’s easy and there really is no excuse.
9. Get enough sleep. Without enough sleep your hormones can get all out of whack, affect your metabolism by slowing it down, and can even contribute to you putting on weight. Good sleeping habits are important too, such as no alcohol before bedtime, avoid caffeine an hour or more before bed (chocolate, tea, coffee) and don’t get too hot before bed. Your body needs to cool down to sleep optimally.
10. Keep your brain busy. Read over our article on keeping an active mind. Keeping your brain exercised and fit can be the key to a longer, healthier life.
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