When it comes to health and fitness, I believe people need education not medication
So, regardless of your age, there are multiple things we can do to improve the quality of our life……..and……
most of it is rooted in taking better care of our health and fitness.
It’s important to note that what constitutes a healthier lifestyle can mean different things to different people.
After all, we each have a different foundation from which we are building. However, no matter your foundation, the end goal is generally the same.
The first step to improving your health and fitness is as simple as deciding you’re not willing to stay where you are at the moment.
Here are the 4 simple ways to help you live a healthier and happier life.
What Does it Mean to Live a Healthier Life?
A healthy life is one that contributes to your overall health, well-being, longevity and independence in older age.
Although diet and exercise play a role in your state of health, they are not the sole factors of your health.
Multiple factors may constitute what it means to lead a healthy life including, but not limited to, our emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health.
1. Exercise
If you are not already invested in a regular exercise regimen, it’s time to create a ritual that will enable you to get active as soon as possible.
Exercise offers you a wealth of advantages mentally and physically that can significantly improve your quality of life.
So, how much should the average adult exercise every day?
Mayo Clinic recommends at least 150 minutes per week made up of a mix of aerobic and strength training. More is better if you can do it but any activity is better than none at all.
What’s most important is making regular physical activity part of your lifestyle. Always keep in mind my favourite saying……..if you want to keep moving you have to keep moving.
Not a fan of spending time in the gym?
There are dozens of worthwhile ways to boost your exercise game ranging from taking a walk in the park to taking the stairs to taking a dip in the pool. Everything helps.
2. Managing Stress
Make it your mission this year to become better at managing your stress levels.
Firstly check out these 7 Things Stress Does to Your Body, to You and to Your Health.
Stress can prove harmful to your health if left unchecked for too long and can cause a variety of problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Stress can also trigger feelings of anxiety and depression, leaving us vulnerable to mood swings or even self-harm.
There are dozens of actions you can take to manage your stress including but not limited to:
• Exercise
• Mindful Meditation
• Learn to say ‘No’ and Set Limits
• Get social support from family and friends
• Practice self-care
• Make time for yourself
• Enjoy your favorite hobby (i.e., reading, music, travel, watching a movie).
Or why not try the Blue Zones Life Challenge – it shows you how to stress less and live more.
3. Take Care of Your Mental Health
It is only natural to minimize the importance of your mental health and wellness if you have never experienced an episode of mental illness.
However, we should make mental wellness a priority as it impacts so many corners of our lives. Without it, we cannot function optimally at work, at home or be a reliable source for even ourselves.
Tips for improving your mental health includes:
• Physical fitness
• Getting sleep
• Participating in a hobby
• Getting out and socializing with others.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Falling off the wagon of healthy eating is easy. Just remember to pick yourself up and dust your bottom off and get back on track.
The food you eat, think Mediterranean diet, can play a significant role in your health and how you feel.
Your diet should contain foods that provide your body with the best blend of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre.
Watch your soft drinks (soda Red Bull etc), alcohol and sugar intake as these things can be a bit toxic to the body. Boost your intake of water, ensuring that your body is always well-hydrated.
These are just four ways to live a healthier life. Your path to health and wellness may look a bit different than those around you, but it does not make the journey any less vital.
Remember to practice self-care, avoiding those things and people who may try to compel you to sacrifice your personal needs.
This might help too……..one simple way you can start eating healthier.
Here is the one point I keep coming back to though…..it’s the fact that a “one size fits all” approach to fitness and nutrition just doesn’t work anymore……use my four tips above to work out what works for you then go for it.
And remember, the results of lifestyle changes are worth the wait.
Cheers – John – your Active Ageing mentor and Coach.
P.S. Help a friend to better health and fitness……like and share. Thanks.
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