This year has been a strange one, hasn't it! With COVID-19 and a change in lifestyle, some things in 2020 feel like they have lasted a lifetime. I originally posted this blog article back in 2018 and have edited it for today because I feel that now more than ever, living a healthy lifestyle is crucial. With mental health issues on the rise due to the pandemic, it's more important than ever to take care of your health. For me, working full-time from home over lockdown and combining that with home-schooling for several months left little time for anything else. Saying that though exercise and healthy food can be incorporated into any routine. Here's a little reminder of ways to live a healthier and happier life.
1. Eat healthy nutritious food with plenty of fruit and vegetables
Obesity leads to a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type 2 diabetes and some cancers including breast cancer and bowel cancer. Studies also show obesity can lead to low self-esteem and depression. It is much easier than you think to cut down on sugars and processed foods and replace with healthier and fresher alternatives full of the recommended 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. For example, the BBC Good Food has a wonderful section on
quick and healthy dinners. If you have kids (or even if you don't!) try making these healthy
sugar-free banana, coconut and raisin flapjacks, yum!
Unless I’m exercising this is the one I sometimes forget especially when working from home! The NHS advises that those in the UK should drink at least 6-8 glasses a day to avoid dehydration and so the body can function effectively. Other health benefits include assisting in weight loss, boosting the immunity and increasing energy levels.
3. Everything in moderation
Eating healthily is very important. But so is enjoying life and constant calorie counting or strict dieting is not healthy either. I believe the motto 'everything in moderation'. As long as most of your lifestyle is active and healthy it's fine to enjoy that chocolate cake once in a while! Life is too short after all.
4. Exercise
From losing weight to increasing energy levels, exercise has so many benefits! The NHS recommends adults aged between 19-64 should aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. This includes anything that will raise your heart beat such as brisk walking, cycling or even mowing the lawn! For those who are more active, vigorous aerobic activity includes
running,
swimming, cycling fast, tennis, football, rugby, aerobics, the list goes on! As well as all the
health benefits for lowering risks of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, depression and dementia, exercise simply makes you feel better! Spending time
outside in the sunshine is an instant mood improver too! For running inspiration see these
top tips for new runners.
5. Ditch bad habits This goes without saying but leading a healthier lifestyle means ditching the takeaways, eating well, reducing screen time, not smoking and taking care of yourself. There are so many alternatives these days and these offer huge benefits to the health of your body as a whole. Sometimes taking a step back and looking at the ways you may be
overwhelmed can be a huge help and prevent the bad habits.
6. Sleep Any parent will know the importance of a good night's sleep! There are so many health benefits and I'm sure everyone will agree that sleeping well makes a big difference! Having a comfortable environment with little noise and a good mattress are ideal!
7. Regular health check upsBeing healthy means taking care of your body. Getting regular dental check ups and sight tests are important for your overall health. If you have a certain health query see the doctor. Even think about having a full body check up including things like a regular ear check with
Auris Ear Care.
I’ve been practising meditation regularly for years now and the benefits are huge. It is difficult to describe and works for people in different ways. It has changed the way I think about certain situations, how I relate to people and how a short morning meditation can change my entire day. The more I meditate the bigger the effect. An article on Live and Dare blog shows
76 benefits to meditating including decreasing depression, reducing stress, improving focus and ability to work under stress and increasing psychological well-being. The full list is on the site.
9. Reduce screen time We live in an age of new technologies and most of us can easily reduce our screen time! A study published in JAMA Pediatrics show that limiting screen time means children sleep longer resulting in a lower risk of obesity, perform better at school and health and general well-being improve. Reducing screen time gives more time to do all of the other things mentioned in this blog post.
10. Have time to yourself and do the things you love
We all need time to ourselves, to recharge and unwind. There are several
health benefits to spending time alone Have a relaxing bath without distractions or
go on a trip for a chance of scenery! Whatever it is, enjoy it! Spending time with those you love and generally being inspired by people and things around you can also have huge uplifting benefits. Do something creative every day and something out of the ordinary. Learn to do the things that make you happy!
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*This post contains sponsored links. All words and opinions are my own.
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