Staying on top of your health and well-being is difficult, and when you fail, it can be quite discouraging. However, if you’ve struggled to exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet, there are resources available that can assist you. Bring Back Health and Fitness wants to help you succeed. These five healthy habits can help you get on the right path.
1. Make Your Home Your Sanctuary
Many families find themselves spending a lot more time at home, which is beneficial in a lot of ways but can also lead to tension. One way to lower the stress level and diffuse arguments and complaining is to take steps to make your sanctuary. Consider sprucing up your home with a fresh coat of paint, or simply give it a good deep cleaning and decluttering. Open up the windows to clear out any lingering odors and let in some fresh air. Give your backyard an upgrade so that your family is encouraged to get out of the house more.
2. Drink More Water
Proper hydration is critical for many different aspects of health. Aquamaster explains that water helps your digestion, regulates your body temperature and transports nutrients. Drinking water can also help you feel less hungry and boost your workouts. To increase your intake, set a daily goal, such as drinking 32 ounces of water per day. Carry a reusable water bottle with you so that you always have water on hand. You can even set reminders on your smartphone so you don't forget to drink.
3. Improve Your Posture
Sitting a lot is one of the worst things you can do for your posture. If you are spending a lot of time sitting at your desk or lounging on the couch, add more movement to your day. Exercises such as glute bridges can improve your hip motion and push-ups are good for loosening up stiff muscles from hunching over at your desk. Plan to get up and move at least two minutes for every hour that you have been sitting; Entrepreneur recommends breaktime apps like Time Out or Randomly RemindMe.
4. Get More Sleep
Almost everyone has heard that they should get seven to eight hours of sleep per night; however, about 25 percent of people aren't hitting that mark. If you aren't getting enough sleep, try making changes to your sleeping environment. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and free of electronics. You can promote sleep by dimming the lights and curtailing electronic use about 30 minutes before bedtime. Don't consume caffeine after four in the afternoon. Drink less alcohol. Don't hit the snooze button. Make a sleep schedule and stick to it.
5. Exercise More
Buying a gym membership and then not going is a time-honored New Year's tradition; however, while going to the gym can be a good way to work more exercise into your routine, it isn't the only way. You can try workout videos in your own home. There are lots of videos available online and through various streaming services.
If exercise videos aren't your thing, start taking regular walks around your neighborhood or find ways to incorporate more movement into your daily activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking further away from destinations. You can also make little changes, like turning your house chores into a workout, using an exercise ball sometimes when you have to sit, and just getting up and moving during commercial breaks.
Of course, it’s not any fun to be active when you’re in pain, and there are many reasons for foot pain. You might have a foot condition like bunions or arthritis. Sometimes after joint surgery orthotics are necessary to improve comfort, and even youngsters can experience foot pain that inhibits their ability to move comfortably.
You can make a difference in your overall health by incorporating these four habits into your daily activities. Combining realistic, measurable goals with a solid action plan will help keep you motivated and on track throughout the year.
Bring Back Health and Fitness can help you discover (or rediscover!) the joy of exercise. Learn more about these services we provide by emailing info@bbhaf.com.au.
Kim Thomas
Kim created US Health Corps after her uncle was diagnosed with heart disease as a result of his lifelong struggle with obesity. Her mission is aligned with that of US Health Corps, and that is to triumph over chronic disease.