Seven Steps to a Healthier Future
It's inevitable, 2009 will be here before you know it! No doubt many of us have decided on a resolution, or two, for the New Year. If living a healthier lifestyle is one of them, I have seven suggestions worth considering. Living a healthier, simpler lifestyle is really easier than you think. While some give up on the resolutions they have made as the year rolls on, I can assure you that, with a pinch of discipline and a dash of commitment to making small changes in your lifestyle, you will see the transformation of a happier and healthier you!
Exercise your body
Develop a workout routine that gets you on the move. Physical activity is a great remedy for managing health problems such as heart diseases, arthritis, osteoporosis, and others. Physical activities will surely strengthen your bones, keep your body flexible, and your heart and lungs healthy. The experts will tell you that you will see improvement in your health by engaging in even 10 minutes of exercise daily.
Exercise your mind
From time to time it is absolutely beneficial to give your mind a workout, just like your body needs a workout. By continuing to challenge yourself, you'll keep your mind sharp. Know that an active brain produces new connections between nerve cells, which allow effective communication with each other. For sure, this facilitates easy storage and retrieval of information. Go ahead, try something new: learn a foreign language, do a crossword puzzle, or read a book and see what happens!
Volunteer
People who volunteer often experience a sense of service and satisfaction. Volunteering contributes positively to health, vitality, and self esteem. A good way for anyone to stay involved in their community is to volunteer.
Think positively
What you think will influence how you feel and how good you feel may largely affect your attitude, and inevitably, how long you live. A Mayo Clinic study revealed that people who are optimistic decrease their risk of early death by up to 50 percent. So put a smile on your face, see the bright side of life and choose to make positive thinking a positive habit.
Take a nap
This is what some of us would rather be doing as the work day wears on. The American Medical Association conducted a study that showed that people who took a nap from time to time had a 12% lower risk of dying from heart disease. Those who napped regularly had a 37% lower risk. So take a nap in the middle of the day, if you can, and cut your chances of getting a heart disease.
Eat nuts
One of the best plant sources of protein, nuts are rich in fiber and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium. While higher in fat, nuts contain omega 3 fats, the good fats, which have been shown to help decrease low density lipoprotein levels (LDL), or "bad cholesterol". Reap the health benefits of eating nuts without adding excess calories to your diet: follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recommendation to limit your intake of these tasty treats to only 1-2 ounces per day.
Adopt a pet
Want to help reduce stress in your life? Adopt a pet! Pets can provide excellent social support. They can help ward off depression and loneliness and provide unconditional love. Get a pet and help improve your mood and your lifestyle!
Sounds like a task you're up to? You can do it! Think of the added value to your lifestyle, just by changing your approach and adopting these simple, yet valuable tips. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Go ahead, you owe it to yourself: a healthier lifestyle and a healthier future!