In the fast-paced world, it has become difficult to take some time out for ourselves. But taking some time out can be a great start towards a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, and eating healthy food – are not something that we consciously focus on but it is necessary for us to shift our focus toward these aspects.
Reasons Why We Need To Be More Aware Of A Healthy Lifestyle
1. Helps In Controlling The Weight
Exercising regularly and consuming a balanced diet can help prevent excess weight gain and maintain a healthy weight. To reach one’s weight loss goal, it is important to be physically active. Even if one is not keen on losing weight, then physical exercise could help in increasing the energy level, boosting the immune system, and improving cardiovascular health.
2. Enhances The mood
If one is physically fit, he/she is more likely to be in a good space mentally. Physical exercise leads to the stimulation and production of endorphins. Endorphins are the chemicals present in the brain that makes the person more relaxed and happier. A healthy diet and physical activity would lead to a better physique. The person would then feel good about his/her appearance, which would boost his/her self esteem and confidence. Improved cognitive functions and decreased stress are some of the benefits of exercises.
3. Combats Diseases
A healthy lifestyle helps in preventing certain health conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. By following certain healthy habits, the blood and cholesterol levels can be maintained within a safe range by the individual. This helps in keeping the blood flowing smoothly and thus decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Proper diet and physical activity can also help in avoiding a wide range of health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, certain types of cancer, metabolic syndrome, etc.
4. Boosts Energy
When an individual eats a balanced diet that the body needs as fuel, it needs to manage the energy level. A healthy diet would mostly include vegetable, fruit, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. Physical exercise also helps in improving the strength of muscles and boosts endurance, thus giving more energy to the individual. Exercise helps in delivering oxygen to the tissues and therefore, the cardiovascular system works more efficiently so that the individual can have more energy to go about their activities. It also promotes better sleep since insufficient sleep can trigger several problems.
5. Helps In Improving Longevity
When certain daily habits are followed by the individual, it boosts their chance of having a longer life. A report was presented by The American Council on Exercise. This study was conducted on 13,000 people until 8 years. This study showed that the individuals who walked even 30 minutes were able to reduce the chances of dying prematurely when compared to those who exercise irregularly. Therefore, it is necessary to have healthy habits that an individual can rely on.
Ways To Improve Lifestyle
Our busy schedule might sometime not allow slipping into healthy habits. But with persistent and consistent efforts it will not take much time to switch from unhealthy to healthy habits. Some of the ways in which an individual can take one step closer to a healthy lifestyle are through the following ways:
Exercise Regularly
The individual should schedule a fixed time for various physical activities such as running, exercises, etc. A minimum of 60 minutes every day should be devoted to physical activities. At least 3 days a week, the person should do exercises that strengthen the bones and muscles. The person can also use stairs instead of lifts or elevators to move in a building. Such small acts of physical activity would be helpful in the longer run.
Fruits, Vegetables, And Water – A perfect Combination
Water should be chosen as a drink to quench thirst rather than juices or soft drinks. No added sugar is found in water as compared to other sweetened drinks and fruit juices. Eating a healthy and balanced diet should be the aim. Healthy fruits and vegetables provide the person with much-needed calcium, vitamins, and proteins. It can reduce the chances of chronic diseases. It is impossible to avoid snacks, but the person should make sure to eat fewer snacks. If possible, healthy snacks can be taken up as an alternative to snacks that are high in sugar and saturated fats.
Switch Off The Screen
An unhealthy amount of screen usage has also been contributing to some of the chronic diseases. Playing computer games or watching TV has been associated with becoming obese or overweight. It can also be a cause of poor posture, chronic pain in the neck, back, and shoulder. It also interferes with the sleeping pattern of the person. The long periods of screen usage should be broken up by planning different indoor or outdoor activities.
Thus, by achieving some of the simpler basic goals, we can live a healthier and happier life.
