Top 5 Daily Habits to Keep You Healthy
Rather than lamenting your poor health or stressing over the lifestyle changes you know you should make, start small with a few key habits that pack a big punch. Read on for 5 smart habits to employ daily for optimal health and wellness from family health care providers in Cadillac, MI.
Increase Your Water Intake
One of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to improve your health and overall wellbeing immediately is to improve your hydration intake. An increased hydration level will help your immune system, energy levels, skin, and hunger cues. People often find that they’re more easily able to lose weight, complete physical tasks, and be productive throughout the day when they focus on drinking enough water. Try drinking an extra glass of water before meals, carry a reusable water bottle around with you throughout the day, or track your water intake to inspire you to take those extra sips all day long. Aim to start with at least 64 ounces a day, and increase those numbers as needed.
Move Your Body
Many people who set exercise and physical activity goals feel like they have to completely overhaul their whole lifestyle to make any progress. Luckily, health benefits can be reaped with less drastic measures, and any additional movement throughout the day is beneficial. Park at the back of the parking lot to get some extra steps, take the stairs instead of the elevator, do a few bodyweight exercises during commercial breaks, go on a walk at lunchtime, try a new fitness class at the gym, or simply stand instead of sitting whenever possible.
Remember Veggie Power
To make improvements to your diet, one simple way to begin is to remember the power of vegetables. They are full of nutritious vitamins, contain needed fiber, and are low in calories, so you can eat less overall while still feeling satisfied. By trying to include a few servings of vegetables at every meal, you can enjoy a more nutritious diet and consume fewer calories overall.
Prioritize Sleep Health
Another major concern for most people is getting enough quality sleep. Sleep deprivation has immediate effects on your physical and mental health, so aiming for 6-8 hours of quality sleep each night is a straightforward way to see immediate benefits. Avoid electronics for an hour before bed, limit caffeine intake, keep your room dark and cool, and set up a nightly sleep hygiene routine to help your body and brain settle in for the night.
Take a Moment to Be Mindful
Mindfulness and gratitude are getting a lot of attention in the health world right now, and for a good reason. Taking a few minutes each day to engage in mindfulness can help you feel more balanced, less stressed, and more able to take on your daily tasks. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, gratitude journals, or nightly visualization exercises are a great place to start.
To ask more specific questions about your health or set up an appointment for full-service family health care in Cadillac, MI, call the pros at Family Health Care today!
