How to Stay Healthy: The Top 10 Tips
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It’s said that prevention is the best medicine, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to staying healthy. Instead of spending money on doctor’s visits and prescription medications, take these 10 tips to heart and you may never need to pay for medical attention again! Take care of yourself, your body, and your wallet by following this simple guide to staying healthy.
1) Take a walk
Why walking? Walking is such a no-brainer, says Dr. Sarah Levy, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and medical editor for WebMD. Why? Not only does it help you lose weight but it’s a great stress reliever too. You can do walking meditations where you just walk and focus on your breathing or think about what’s really stressing you out, she says. That’s better than sitting and stewing because it will get your endorphins up. You’ll feel better right away.
2) Eat more plants
Eating more plants is a surefire way to boost your nutritional intake and reduce your risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. And even if you’re not prone to eating junk food, it’s easy to fall into old habits when your schedule gets busy. To keep yourself on track—and ensure you don’t slip into snacking mode during mid-afternoon lulls—keep healthy snacks in sight at all times. Stick a fruit bowl on your desk, or bring some edamame with you on a business trip. When there are no options available other than unhealthy foods, they become less appealing by comparison. When you create an environment that encourages healthy choices, your body will eventually adapt accordingly.
3) Think positive thoughts
Keeping a positive mental attitude will help you stay healthy. If you focus on negative, unhappy thoughts, your health will deteriorate quickly. But if you believe in yourself and think positive thoughts, good things will happen and your body will follow suit. Start by noticing how often you use words like can’t or won’t. These types of negative affirmations can be harmful if they are regularly repeated to yourself. Instead, pay attention to when those thoughts come up and replace them with something more uplifting like I can, or I want. It takes practice at first but it gets easier with time and soon you’ll find that your health is improving too!
4) Smile more
People with more positive emotions, including smiles, are perceived as healthier and more attractive. In fact, several studies have found that people who smile frequently actually have lower blood pressure and are in better physical health overall. Not only is smiling good for your heart, it’s also good for your teeth—it can strengthen them and make them less likely to decay or fall out. So be happy! Make sure you’re doing these things too . . . it will definitely help you lose weight!
5) Listen to your body
Listening to your body is a key factor in staying healthy. When your body sends you a signal that something is wrong, don’t ignore it. Taking care of yourself and your body should be a top priority because ignoring small issues can lead to bigger ones. Learn when it’s time to call out sick from work and stay home until you feel better or until you know what illness you have so that you can seek proper treatment for it.
6) Don’t skip breakfast
Eating breakfast helps stave off cravings and keeps your metabolism running strong. What’s more, it is often easier to maintain healthy eating habits in general when you start them with a wholesome breakfast. If you don’t have time for a meal, opt for whole-grain cereal or even a fruit smoothie over high-fat options like bacon and eggs. For even better nutrition, top your bowl of cereal with fresh berries and low-fat milk; or try unsweetened peanut butter on toast. For an on-the-go alternative, pack yogurt in single-serving containers that are large enough to hold fruit as well as granola and dried fruit snacks.
7) Workout with weights
Muscle is crucial for burning calories, and strength training is one of best ways to increase muscle mass. On days when you’re short on time, try doing a short (15-minute) but challenging weight routine at home. No equipment needed—just use your body weight to challenge your muscles. Try simple moves like squats, lunges and pushups. If you want to learn proper form and ensure you get results, consider hiring a trainer. Start with once- or twice-weekly sessions so that you don’t burn out; then gradually increase the frequency as you build strength. And don’t forget that it’s not just what you do when working out that matters—it’s also what you do in between workouts!
8) Drink lots of water
This may seem like a simple task, but even if you’re careful about how much food you consume (think drinking diet soda instead of sugary beverages) and get enough exercise, your health can still be negatively affected by being dehydrated. Water is necessary for countless processes in your body; by not drinking enough each day, your health may suffer. According to some experts, people should drink half their weight in ounces of water daily—that means a 200-pound person should drink 100 ounces or 12 cups of water every day. Keep track of how much water you consume throughout your day by setting an alarm on your smartphone to remind yourself; carrying around a reusable water bottle will help ensure that you reach that goal.
9) Get enough sleep
Sleep can be one of your most powerful tools when it comes to good health. Studies show that getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night significantly decreases your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Plus, studies have shown a strong correlation between poor sleep and weight gain. In other words, if you want to stay slim and healthy—get enough zzz’s!
10) Cook at home
Cooking your own meals is one of the easiest ways to control exactly what you’re eating. Ordering in is convenient, but you have no idea how much oil or butter was used in each dish. Going out for a meal with friends can be fun, but it’s difficult to say no when others order large entrées and desserts—or when a waiter offers free refills on soda. To stay healthy and avoid putting on extra pounds, cook your own meals as often as possible. Visit restaurants occasionally and share large dishes with friends.
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