For many of you, a new year could mean a new start to a healthier lifestyle. Commit to making different choices in 2020 that can include getting more exercise, sleeping better, and eating more nutritious foods. By making healthier choices, you may be able to fight off certain diseases, shed unwanted pounds, and increase your energy levels.
More Exercise, Less Channel Surfing
There is a lot of truth in the saying “move it or lose it.” As you get older, it becomes harder to stay physically active. Your body may struggle with the pain from age-related ailments such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or heart disease. One way to stay pain-free is by staying physically active.
Studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise, such as running, biking, and swimming, has several health benefits. You may reduce your risk of stroke, diabetes, dementia and some types of cancer. You may also increase your stamina, balance, and muscle, all of which help lower your chances of sustaining an injury from a fall.
You don’t have to train for a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise. Everyday activities such as vacuuming, walking the dog, and mowing the lawn will go a long way towards keeping you in motion. Try to avoid being sedentary for too long during your day. Get yourself a fitness watch with an alarm to remind you to get up and move.
Catch Some Zzzs
Sleep is essential for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Without enough of it, you may be cranky, eat more than you should, and put your immune system at risk. To avoid these side effects, you should strive to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on the weekends.
Your bedroom should feel like a sleep sanctuary. Keep it comfortably cool and turn off all of your devices to set the mood. Crawl into bed with a good book and read until you can’t keep your eyes open any longer. If your neighborhood has street lights, invest in some blackout shades or drapes to make your room as dark as possible. Beyond all the apps and techniques to fall asleep and stay asleep, the most important tools to get a good night’s rest is the right mattress.
Eat The Rainbow
There’s no doubt that eating well makes you feel good and that eating poorly has negative effects on your health. So why not make an effort to choose more highly nutritious foods and pass on the processed and high-sugar foods?
When you eat foods like dark leafy green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, you’re providing your body with the vitamins, minerals, and fiber that it needs to thrive and survive. Having and sustaining a plant-rich diet is as easy as adding some spinach to your scrambled eggs, eating a salad with your lunch, or having a hearty bowl of bean soup for dinner. You may want to keep a bowl of fresh fruit on your counter for healthier snack or dessert options.
