We all want to be healthy. It’s easy to think about, but not always too easy to actually make the changes necessary. Here are 7 easy ways to get healthier.
Have a Set Bedtime
Most people thing of bedtimes as something for kids, but the truth is that a bedtime helps people of all ages. Having a set bedtime helps your body have a routine, and prepare for what is coming next. Wonder why you’re always hungry at the same time every day? It’s because your body is used to eating at that time. Same thing with your sleep cycle, once you get into your routine you’ll find it easier to get up when the alarm starts blaring Monday morning.
Did you know that most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night? Sleep helps improve your mood, brain function, memory, digestive health, and more.
Take the Stairs Instead
Next time you’re at work count how many times you get in the elevator. Each week, replace at least one trip on the elevator with the stairs. Keep going until you aren’t taking the elevator at all. You’ll be surprised how easy it gets!
Taking the stairs can be just as good for you as jogging! Walking up the stairs increases muscle tones in the legs, back, core and butt. The best part? You can do it almost anywhere, anytime.
Wash Your Hands
Think about all the germs you pick up on the door handle, your phone, the light switch, and everything else in between. Then you touch your keys, and your kids, and now that germ from Suzy at the office is spreading all over your house. You should wash your hands every time you sneeze, cough or eat. Wash up your wrists too, you’d be surprised how much travels up your arm.
Mix Up Your Proteins
Most people tend to stick to chicken and beef, and while that’s okay, there are plenty of other ways to get protein. Mixing up proteins means you get a variety of nutrients and flavors. Eggs are great way to get protein to keep you fueled and full. Fish is another protein that people tend to skip, and nuts are are a great mid-day snack to keep you full and focused.
Drink More Water
It’s hot, and it’s going to keep getting hotter. You may have been able to get away with drinking soda all winter, but if you want to spend any time outside this summer, it’s time to drink up. When temperatures rise, we sweat more to ensure we don’t over heat. We can only sweat when we are properly hydrated. If you’re dehydrated you could stop sweating and overheat.
Drinking water also helps promote healthy brain function, helps increase your metabolism, boost your immune system and can keep your skin looking young.
Take Mental Breaks
Breaks are good for the brain. No one likes that feeling of being burnt out, so to try and avoid it, it is important to take frequent breaks. Breaks during the work day can help improve creativity and productivity.
Vacations are also good for the brain, a change of scenery can inspire you. It can also help you to regain focus once you get back to familiar surroundings and routines. Mostly, vacations allow your brain to rest from the day-to-day.
Use Sunscreen
So you never burn, why is it so important to wear sunscreen? No matter if you get sunburns or not, sunscreen can help prevent skin damage. Skin damage that could eventually lead to skin cancer. Young kids and older adults should be especially mindful of the effects of the sun. (Sunscreen can also help prevent wrinkles! Just an added bonus).
Summer fun is here and we want everyone to enjoy it. Maybe you can use this as an opportunity to get the whole family a little healthier. Either way, enjoy all this sunshine while we’ve got it, winter will be here before you know it.
