You may have heard it said before, that human beings are creatures of habit. A lot of individuals assume that you need to make big, drastic changes to see results. But when it comes to building healthy habits, it is not the grand gestures that matter but the simple habits and decisions that go a long way.
Making small, uncomplicated changes to your daily routine can actually have a longer lasting effect on your health and wellbeing more than any diet or fitness regimen can. Think of it this way; working out seriously for one month certainly has its effects. But unless you make a commitment to stick with it, you are more likely to return to your old, unhealthy ways, which has never produced great results for anyone.
Sadly, breaking unhealthy habits is often easier said than done. That is why people generally struggle to commit to a long-term healthy lifestyle. So what can you do to change your lifestyle? Here are 5 simple health habits that you can pick up right now:
Walk whenever possible
If you spend a huge portion of your day sitting down or you often do not find time to work out, one of the easiest things that you can do is to enhance your exercise levels is to increase how often you walk. Walking is a great way to sneak in the exercise that you need to remain healthy. As such, whenever you can, avoid taking the elevator and take the stairs instead.
If you usually take the subway or an Uber to walk, consider getting off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way. At first, it may not appear like you are doing much. However, the extra movements can make all the difference in the world and can even help you adopt a serious workout regimen into your routine in the future.
Invest in a Himalayan salt lamp
If you do not already own a Himalayan salt lamp, then it is time to invest in one immediately! If you are not in the know, Himalayan salt lamps work just like regular lamps, except that they come embedded with a chunk of Himalayan salt while others feature Himalayan crystals within. These lamps can serve a decorative purpose but they are also associated with a whole host of health benefits.
When the lamps are lit, the Himalayan salt lamps are said to produce negative ions, which can do wonders for the quality of indoor air that you breathe. These ions are also useful in helping to alter your mood. As such, if you struggle with anxiety and depression, they can help to aid your recovery and even ensure that you get some much needed sleep.
Increase your water intake
The health benefits associated with increased water intake are numerous. For instance, water is essential for digestion to occur and when you are constipated, it is invaluable. Water is also needed for keeping your temperature optimal, and it lubricates your joints while keeping your spinal cord and other sensitive areas of your body protected.
Dehydration can not only make you feel and appear more tired than usual, but it can also cause headaches and migraines. Water should be calorie free; this means that you should avoid any flavored water that claims to have added sugar to boost your energy levels.
Get to bed half an hour earlier
Sleep plays a major role in your overall wellbeing. If you do not get enough sleep, it can end up affecting your entire day negatively. Sleep deprivation can make you more prone to accidents; it can make it hard to recall important things, and make it even harder to make the right decisions.
When you sleep insufficiently, it causes your neurons to slowdown and causes your organ systems to become unsynchronized. The long term effects of sleep deprivation are even more debilitating and can lead to obesity, cause you to develop cardiovascular diseases, and reduce the quality of your life considerably.
If you are struggling with getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep, start by going to bed an hour earlier. According to Kate at NJGamblingFun, ‘’It is entirely possible to change undesirable habits. But only if you are motivated enough to do it. If you are not, you could end up stuck in a never ending cycle of bad behavior. So, it’s better to make small changes that you can handle, which will start to produce results over time.’’
Add veggies to all your meals
Veggies are not only affordable, but they are a great source of nutrients, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals, which are needed to help you fight diseases. Veggies can help you reduce your risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and help you keep your blood pressure in check. Vegetables are also vital for helping to keep your skin looking healthy and they go a long way in helping you feel full so that you can eat less.
Try not to completely change your entire diet in one day. If you move too fast, it can be easy to get over motivated and later on overwhelmed. If you want to change your diet, start by first adding a small portion of vegetables to your meals and then work towards increasing your healthy food options.
The best veggies to start with are those that have bold colors such as carrots and leafy greens. If you do not like the taste of vegetables on their own, consider adding them to your smoothies or incorporate them as part of other meals such as an omelette. Whenever you are preparing a dish, try and find interesting ways to incorporate your favorite vegetables.
Final Thoughts
When it boils down to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we are well aware of what we need to do. Exercise at least thrice per week; eat a balanced diet of fruits and veggies; sleep for at least 8 hours a day; keep up with your medical screenings, and maintain strong relationships while minimizing stress levels. You also need to find time to relax and enjoy options like หวย.
Even the most organized person would have a hard time keeping up with all these things, which is why making small changes is likely to increase your likelihood of success. What most us fail to understand is that change is a long-term process and not a single event.
It takes at least 6 months before a habit can stick. So before you give up entirely, make sure that you give yourself time and please, be patient with yourself. It may take a few tries before you get it right but soon, you will start to see the changes that you have been longing for.