It is crucial for us to stay healthy to have a long, fulfilling life, more so in the pandemic-ridden world. Sometimes, it may be hard for some us to tick of the boxes in the health test, amid our busy lifestyles, but it only takes some of our time and effort to add on a few more years to our lifespan.
Below are FIVE quick tips you can follow for a healthier lifestyle:
1) Adopt a healthy diet
Your diet should ideally include different foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Adults are advised to consume at least five portions (400g) of fruits and vegetables a day. By eating healthy, you get to reduce your risk of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
2) Exercise regularly
Physical activities are crucial to keep oneself fit and healthy, while at the same time, improve their mental well-being. The activity can be in the form of yoga, sports such as running or jogging or even Zumba, dancing, cycling, or yoga. Aside from improving metabolism, regular exercise also helps to uplift one's mood and increase their energy and alert level.
3) Keep hydrated
Water is essential to maintain one's good health. The liquid not only helps to break down fat, but also replenishes the moisture lost through sweating. Furthermore, more than half (60 percent) of the human body is water so it functions like oil to an automobile - it keeps your brain, heart, and other organs in good working order.
4) Get enough rest
Getting enough rest, especially in the form of sleep, is crucial to allow your body and mind to recharge. Healthy sleep helps your brain to function smoothly, reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and keeps your weight under control. In addition, sleep also allows your immune system to function optimally.
5) Stay off bad habits
These include smoking, drinking alcohol, eating junk food, and having excessive screen time. Smoking causes NCDs such as lung disease, heart disease, and stroke, among other conditions. Besides killing smokers, tobacco also negatively impacts non-smokers through second-hand exposure. As for alcohol, excessive consumption can lead to mental and behavioural disorders, such as addiction, and physical illness such as liver cirrhosis, and even cancer.
So there you go, five tips you can adopt today to change your life for the better. There may be some hiccups at the initial stage, but at the end of the day, it will be worth it.
Good luck trying!
Source: Hindustan Times, who.int
Photos source: pexels