We hear all the time that we should live healthier, from doctors, people on TV, social media, and even friends and family. Although it’s easy to say, it’s hard to put into practice. We find ourselves facing an uphill battle very quickly. That’s why we’ve compiled a few tips to tackle problems practically and implement changes in the long term.
Find a Physical Activity You Enjoy
While we’re not suggesting you need to hit the gym, go for a run, or do some pushups, it’s important to find a physical activity that you can enjoy. According to Fortune, only 22.9 percent of people get enough exercise, which many of us are guilty of missing. While it’s easy to skip out on that hour at the gym for an hour binge-watching Netflix, the consequences you’re facing by that repeated behavior can be detrimental to your health. Having a healthy lifestyle is a lifetime goal that takes dedication day-in and day-out, which is why it’s important to find something you love.
Make a list of the activities you used to like or want to try, as well as how much time you can dedicate to them. No matter if it’s something as simple as going for a walk, the goal is to get out and be active at something for around 30 minutes per day. Doing so will make a world of difference in your physical and mental health and put you in a routine of dedicated physical activity. With enough practice, you’ll start to see improvements in no time.
Start Cooking at Home
Another solution for a healthier lifestyle is cooking at home. If you want to get healthy, it is an absolute must. Beyond the benefits of saving money and eating better quality foods, cooking can also be a time to relax and listen to a podcast or some music and connect with family. Whether it’s stir fry or chicken and shrimp pasta, exploring different menus can help you develop your culinary skills while losing weight and getting healthy.
Take a Vacation
While it sounds like a luxury, taking a vacation is something you seriously need to consider taking on for your health. Men who don’t take an annual vacation show a 20 percent higher risk of death and a 30 percent higher risk of developing health disease. Although it’s not something that everyone can afford, even hopping on a camping trip for a couple of days or having a nice ‘staycation’ can make a world of difference. Explore what type of time you can take off, as having a vacation is an absolute must for your brain and body.
Go to Bed Earlier
Despite how much we hate to hear it, going to bed earlier is honestly a must for a healthy lifestyle. Approximately 35 percent of people don’t get the recommended eight hours of sleep per night. While it’s normal to have an occasional night where something keeps you up, shutting down your phone, getting away from simulated light, and getting a good night’s sleep is an absolute must. A helpful suggestion is putting your phone and any distractions on the other side of the room on a charger an hour before bed. Also, try CBD gummies to help induce sleep. Focus on something like meditation or reading before you decide to hit the hay.
Cut Back on Social Media
Just because we’re active on social media doesn’t mean it’s healthy for our social lives. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 30 percent of social media users spend more than 15 hours per week on platforms. When you think of all the sensory overload, it’s easy to see how social media can be bad for our health. A lot of social media influence is subconscious, making us feel slightly miserable, so the slight high we get from a positive interaction keeps us in the feedback loop. Break the chain and start enjoying socializing IRL.
Drop Bad Habits
Although a little bad behavior can be good for the soul, going too far down that rabbit hole can be detrimental to your health. For example, it’s normal to experiment once or twice with smoking, but 14 percent of the US adult population gets addicted. Break the cycle by thinking about the benefits of your life without whatever it is that is clearly bad for you. While dropping bad habits might sound like a daunting task, the more you engage with the idea of an enjoyable life without the vice, the easier it will be.
What are some practical solutions you’ve implemented to improve your life? Comment with your answers below!
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