Take care of your body.
The same message is constantly being drilled into our heads. Eat right, move more, sleep better. Often, we commit to completely changing our lives, ransacking our kitchens and throwing away the junk food while anxiously signing up for a new gym membership.
Cleaning up your diet and working out are great ideas but you don’t have to dedicate yourself to a radical life transformation. You can change a few habits and still have a profound effect on your body.
Pay attention to these tips and you might see big health improvements.
Drink Water
Your body needs water to thrive. Dehydration can have very serious effects. Constantly replenishing your body is good for your entire system.
How much water you should drink in a day depends on your body size, activity level, and the climate. An active person who lives in the desert and spends a lot of time outside will need to drink more than a sedentary person living in the northeast.
Feeling thirsty is the first sign of dehydration. There are free water reminder apps that you can download if you’re having trouble remembering to stay hydrated.
Take Care of Your Teeth
Preventive care is critical when it comes to your teeth. If you allow problems in your mouth to fester, they can grow worse and become very expensive to treat. Dental problems are rarely fixed on their own. That’s why you need to see the dentist every six months.
“Scientists and doctors have begun to unravel the complex relationship between our mouths and the rest of our bodies. They’ve found that the condition of our teeth and gums directly correlates to our cardiovascular, respiratory, and even immune health,” writes Ellicott City Dental Office Peartree Dental Care.
“In other words, your oral health has a significant impact on your overall health.”
Get the Flu Shot
Thousands of people die from the flu every year. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that most people get the flu shot every year. It’s not a perfect solution but getting the shot dramatically reduces your chances of contracting the virus.
Flu shots often become available in October.
Eat Your Greens
It’s thought that an antioxidant-rich diet provides protection from cancer-causing free radicals. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants as well as other nutrients. Adults should have multiple servings a day.
A serving might be a medium-sized apple or banana or perhaps a cup of cooked veggies.
The typical Western diet is notoriously light on fruits and vegetables. If you’re having trouble incorporating healthier options into your daily routine, focus on making small swaps. Instead of trying to have a “perfect” diet, eat your regular dinner but add a side of vegetables. Eat a piece of fruit for a snack.
Call a Friend
Being social keeps you young. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert or an extrovert. A strong social support network is critical for your well-being. Everyone needs a friend.
Humans are social creatures. Engaging in pleasant social interactions releases feel-good hormones in the body. When you have a stressful day, speaking with a close friend or family member can alleviate some of your distress.
Meditate
Meditation isn’t just for hippies and spiritual types. Science has shown that meditation can truly benefit your mind. It’s free and it can be done from anywhere. There are absolutely no barriers to participating.
To get started, read a how-to guideline online or watch a YouTube video. Meditating can seem like a daunting task if you’re not used to it.
Wear Sunscreen
It’s easy to forget about sunscreen. It can take years for damage caused by the sun to be noticeable.
Protect your skin and slather on sunscreen before you go outside. It doesn’t take a lot of time and the benefits are enormous. Too much sun can cause your skin to look old and dried out. It can also cause skin cancer.
Get a Pet
Have you ever noticed that cat videos dominate the internet? It’s because animals make people happy. If you can afford it, having a pet is a great way to forge a positive social bond with another creature.
You don’t need to be a gym buff to improve your health. There are a ton of simple things that you can do that will have a big impact. Becoming healthier doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can actually be quite easy.
You can help yourself by getting into a routine. Put on your screen right before you step out of the house. Drink a glass of water every couple of hours. Soon, the habits will become ingrained and you won’t have to remind yourself anymore.