Health,  Healthy life,  Wellness

Healthy living: Back to Basics

It is so easy to get sucked into the whirlwind of diets and fitness regimes. When it comes to healthy living, there is no need to complicate things as that is sure to demotivate you. Don’t get deterred by information overload.

Healthy living is possible; however, it is not a one-time thing. It’s a long-term commitment, but there are basic ways to start today to pave the way to a healthier better you.

A healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean endless training at the gym and eating only salads. It’s about making easy and manageable healthy choices from day-to-day.

Make small healthy changes every day, such as leg lifts while sitting at your desk, increasing your fruit intake by one, drinking one extra glass of water or quitting smoking.

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The basics to healthy living

Know your health stats

Do this by going to the doctor for a medical check-up. Check your BMI to know your weight. Consequently, knowing your vitality stats could save your life.

Knowing your health stats makes it easier for you to know where you need to improve and helps you detect possible health issues early.

Important stats to know:

Heart rate

High blood pressure

BMI & body fat

Sleep patterns

Cholesterol

Blood sugar

Assess your level of physical activity

How often do you get in activity in a week, how intense and varied is it? Get moving. Find fun ways to move more such as walking with friends or take up hiking. Sign up for dance classes or kickboxing.

You don’t have to stick to the traditional gym workout if you are not into that and find yourself dreading the gym. However, do something you find fun.

Helathy living by knowing your health stats
  • Set weekly goals for your physical activity. Start small, 10 minutes is better than nothing. As you progress you will be able to do more. Work in some exercise in your day, i.e. taking the stairs more or a longer route (walking) to work or home. Physical activity is not just about losing weight. Everyone needs to be active.
  • Keep your mood level and energy high. Mental wellness is just as important as your physical health. Therefore, don’t guilt trip yourself about eating what you ate that you know you ‘shouldn’t’ have, it will end up making you feel worse which often leads to comfort eating.

Keep a food journal

Write down everything you eat in a day…no judgement. Everything. As a result, it will help you keep track of where you need to focus more. You can only change what you know and acknowledge.

Take it to the next level and upgrade your diet. Don’t make it all about eating only certain foods and avoiding certain foods, it’s more about awareness and making better healthier choices.

Instead of saying “I must eat more veggies”, say “I choose to eat more veggies”.

Make it a daily decision by taking it one day at a time. This can help you to lose or maintain a healthy weight, which in turn will reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Here are some great tools to get started

Support structure

Surround yourself with like-minded people and spend time with people who share your healthy lifestyle goals. Get plugged in with social or spiritual groups that enrich your life.  

We have a fundamental need for positive and lasting relationships, therefore, harness them.

Enjoy the journey and live it up Click To Tweet

Manage stress

Find coping mechanisms to handle stress. And develop skills such as meditation and breathing techniques. Take up yoga or exercise. Ask yourself if whatever has you stressed will matter a year from now.

Start and keep a gratitude journal.

You will realize that you are less stressed when you focus on the positive aspects of life and the things you are thankful for. Long, warm baths are calming and relaxing. Also having a warm drink (no caffeine) before going to bed helps.

Sleep is key

Dim down at least 2 hours before shut-eye. TV, phone and computer are a NO NO before bedtime. They are not only stimulating but their light will leave your brain thinking that it’s time to wake up.

Keep to a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at a set time. Don’t ignore sleeping problems, go to a doctor.

Challenge your mind

Participate in mentally stimulating activities. Keep your brain fit by reading, doing word puzzles and listening to stimulating music.

The basics are the first stepS to healthy living and keeping the motivation high to stay healthy. Enjoy the journey and live it up.

Updated 10th August 2020

Love, Everyday

Ntha

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