We are so constantly bombarded with health tips that the information is numbing, much like Covid case numbers.  Magazines, websites, television and the guy next door in his Lululemons, are constantly shoving health strategies into every orafice of our bodies.  It’s enough to make you want to order a cadillac margarita and a basket of chili fries and fly your middle finger freak flag to the masses.  We get it.

Well this article aint that.  These are health guardrails, not guidelines.  As humans, we are going to peter out on the health highway at times. It’s gonna happen. These guardrails are meant to keep us from completely falling off.  They are big picture items or long term investment strategies for healthy living.  Use em or lose em to your discretion, but we would be stoked if you at least gave them a read. ?

1. Be As Active As Possible

This one is not a shocker to anyone, but allow us to share some of the lesser talked about benefits of exercise.  Using your muscles is extremely important for optimal health, and quite frankly a big part of standing up straight when you get older!  Exercise and being active will certainly help you look better, but improving your appearance is really just a small part of what it does for your body.

Exercise ensures your body, brain and hormones function optimally. It lowers your blood sugar and insulin levels, improves cholesterol and lowers triglycerides. Fortunately, there are many ways to exercise. You don’t need to go to a gym, buy a Peloton bike or hire a trainer.  You do need to find what works for you however.  It’s possible to exercise for free, in the privacy of your own home, as many of us have found out during this pandemic.  Just search online for home exercises and calistenics.

Going outside to hike or take a walk is another important habit you should do, especially if you can get some sun (natural vitamin D). Walking is a highly underrated form of exercise.  The key is to choose a few routines that you enjoy and you can stick with and not get bored.

An active lifestyle can positively impact serotonin levels in your brain. Raising your levels of serotonin boosts your mood and overall sense of well-being.

It can also help improve your appetite and sleep cycles, which are often negatively affected by depression.

If you’re completely out of shape or have medical problems, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional before starting a new training program.

2. Minimize Consumption of Toxic Substances

Many things people consume are downright toxic. Webster’s defines toxic as “containing or being poisonous material especially when capable of causing death or serious debilitation”.  Cigarettes, alcohol and  drugs, are also highly addictive, making it hard for people to give them up.  An even more common problem today is eating unhealthy, disease-promoting toxic foods.

If you want to pursue optimal health, you need to minimize your consumption of toxic substances in your food. Probably the single most effective change you can make to improve your diet is to cut back on processed, packaged foods.

This can be tough because many of these foods are designed to be extremely tasty and extremely available.

When it comes to specific ingredients, added sugars are among the worst. These include sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup.  Both can wreak havoc on your metabolism when consumed in excess, though some people can tolerate moderate amounts.  In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid all trans fats, which are commonly found in fried foods, baked goods & some margarine.  You can’t pursue a healthy life if you keep putting toxic substances into your body. You cannot trust these familiar brands that have been around since your childhood.  Some of those are the worst.

Last month a congressional investigation has found levels of arsenic, lead and other toxic metals in many popular American baby foods.  Baby foods! ? Constantly educate yourself on what you are eating. Always, always read labels and eat as much whole foods as possible.  Whole foods are generally characterized as foods that have not been processed, refined or had any ingredients added to them.

3. Consistently Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is very important for overall health and studies show that sleep deprivation correlates with many diseases, including obesity and heart disease.  It’s highly recommended to make time for good, quality sleep.  If you struggle getting sound sleep, there are several things you can try to improve your quality of sleep:

  • Go to bed and wake up at similar times each day.
  • Sleep in complete darkness, with no artificial lighting.
  • Dim the lights in your home a few hours before bedtime.
  • Avoid drinking coffee late in the day.

Sleep is a vital, often neglected, component of every person’s overall health and well-being. Sleep is important because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day.  As mentioned, getting adequate rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration.

4. Try To Minimize Unnecessary Stress

A healthy lifestyle involves a wholesome diet, quality sleep and regular exercise. But the way you feel and how you think is also very important. Being stressed all the time is a recipe for disaster. Excess stress can raise cortisol levels and severely impair your metabolism.

Stress can increase junk food cravings, fat in your stomach area and raise your risk of various diseases. It also contributes to depression.

Studies also show that stress is a significant contributor to depression, which is a massive health problem today.  To reduce stress, try to simplify your life — exercise, take nature walks, practice deep-breathing techniques and maybe even meditation.  Go to your happy place every day, wherever that is.

Not only will overcoming your stress make you healthier, it will also improve your life in other ways. Going through life worried, anxious and never being able to relax and enjoy yourself is a big waste.
Stress can wreak havoc on your health, leading to weight gain and various diseases. There are many ways you can reduce your stress.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Proper hydration is not talked about enough by people pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Nearly 80% of working people in the U.S. say they do not drink enough water. Your body is mainly made up of water and other liquids that are used to regulate and promote daily bodily functions.  So why wouldn’t you provide your body with the resource that it needs the most?

Not only is water great for your overall health, it also helps you maintain regular energy levels throughout your day as well as regulate your metabolism. With all that extra energy that you’ve now supplied your body, you’ll be able to crush your days and complete your daily tasks that will help you move the needle forward in your business.

Summary

Set Achievable Goals For a Lifestyle Change

It’s important to keep in mind that you must adopt new lifestyle habits to achieve a healthy life.  This is not a diet for that summer wedding.  Set achievable goals in your exercise and introduce healthy foods that you truly enjoy eating.  Soon it wont even be a thing, its just what you do.  Exercise, sleep & healthy diet are not amenities in life, they are necessities for the people that understand them.

Good Luck and Thanks For Reading!

 

 

This article was inspired by our good friends at eMaximize, the best digital marketing agency in Los Angeles.

 

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