Many people do not really understand how to keep themselves healthy, both physically and mentally. Yet a healthy and happy life is the key to a long life. That is, the happier a person is, the more likely that person will live longer. Well, one simple way that you can do to live a happier and longer life is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Come on, see tips for starting a healthy lifestyle here.
Simple steps to start a healthy lifestyle
Here are some simple tips that you can do to start a healthy lifestyle:
1. Avoid stress
Traffic jams on the road, stifling task or work deadlines , tight finances, strained love relationships, and various other life support will certainly make you stressed. When you feel stressed, all the systems in your body will respond in different ways. Chronic stress can have an impact on your overall health. So, therefore, try as much as possible to reduce or even avoid everything that can make you stressed.
It is normal to take a break from the activity you are currently working on. When you’re feeling stressed, try to pull over for a while in a quiet place. Calm yourself by taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.
Do this repeatedly until you feel more relaxed. Taking deep breaths on your own has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
You can also do various other activities that you enjoy. For example, reading, journaling, or playing with pets . The point is, make yourself comfortable in a way that you like.
2. Choose food wisely
What you eat will certainly affect how your body works. Therefore, it is important for you to pay attention to every food you consume every day in order to realize a healthy lifestyle.
Make sure that the food on your plate meets the principles of balanced nutrition, which includes carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and good fats. Don’t just rely on one type of staple food . You can replace staple foods with corn, noodles, sweet potatoes, or potatoes. So, it doesn’t have to be rice all the time.
Also pay attention to the portion of your meal . Paying attention to the portion you eat is very important to prevent you from becoming overweight and developing various chronic diseases. Remember, anything in excess is certainly not good for the body.
In addition to sorting the food to be consumed, you also have to be wise in processing it. Avoid processing food by frying. You can process food in a healthier way, such as boiled, steamed, or stir-fried.
3. Make time to exercise every day
Exercise doesn’t just have to be jogging or going to the gym. You are free to do various types of sports that you really like in order to get used to a healthy lifestyle. If you like cycling or swimming, then feel free to do so. Likewise, if you just like a leisurely stroll. The key is one, make your body active every day.
By actively moving, your body will try to burn calories that are deposited in the body. More than that, it can also help circulate more oxygen into the body’s cells and keep them healthy. No wonder if after exercise or physical activity you feel more fit.
Well, for those of you office workers who may not have much time to exercise, you can do various simple physical activities to make sure your body keeps moving.
When going to the office, try to choose to take the stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator. You can also take the time to go for a walk or just go up and down the stairs before and after lunch.
Sometimes small changes in your daily routine can help you become more active.
4. Reduce sugar starting today
Do you like dessert or sweet food? Cupcakes, ice cream, sweets, brownies, it’s very tempting tongue. However, starting today, intend to reduce or even avoid these various foods in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
This is not without reason. Because the intake of too much sugar can trigger diabetes . Well, if you have diabetes, you will be more susceptible to various chronic diseases later in life. Some of them such as heart disease and stroke.
Start slowly. If you usually drink coffee with two spoons of sugar, now try only one spoon. Once you get used to it, you can eliminate sugar intake altogether in the cup of coffee you drink.
Instead of drinking packaged drinks, you better eat fresh pieces of fruit. In addition to being healthier, the sugar contained in fresh fruit will certainly not be as much as in packaged drinks.
Not only sugar, you also have to slowly reduce smoking and drinking alcohol.
5. Drink lots of white water
About 60 percent of your body composition is water. Unfortunately, every day the fluid in the body will continue to decrease through sweat, urine, and even every time you breathe. This is why it is important that you ensure that your fluid needs are met every day.
Furthermore, ensuring that your fluid intake is met properly not only prevents dehydration, but is also a powerful way for you to avoid consuming sugary drinks.
Bring your own water bottle with you wherever you go. Put the bottle in your bag, so you don’t forget to take it with you everywhere. In addition, also provide drinking water at the desk or in the bedroom.
6. Get enough sleep
Diligent exercise and eat foods that are high in nutrients will end up in vain if you don’t get enough sleep yourself. According to Cheri Mah, an expert on sleep disorders at Stanford University and the University of California, sleep is the most basic need for a healthy lifestyle.
Sleep forms the foundation on which a healthy mind and body are formed. If this foundation wobbles, it will certainly have an impact on your health. Starting from immune function , energy, appetite, mood to your weight.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the ideal sleep duration for adults is around 7-9 hours per night. So, make sure that every night you sleep at least 7-9 hours, yes!