If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to be conscious of our health and to never take it for granted. However, with modern life often getting in the way and everything geared towards convenience, as well as conflicting messages online over the latest health fads, not to mention the mounting pressure we feel from influencers and celebrities to always look our best, it can be difficult. It’s not always easy to know what’s best for our health. This is why getting some straightforward and simple advice is always best. Putting yourself first shouldn’t mean navigating false online information and following unrealistic diets. When we feel healthy, we feel more confident and confidence leads to success. Here we’ll explore how you can be a little healthier with these easy health habits.
Quit those cigarettes
We all know that cigarettes are bad for us, yet so many of us still light up even though there are so many reasons to stop smoking. If you’re a smoker, the best way to kickstart your health is by quitting. Many smokers turn to vape products to aid their quitting journey and as a way to enjoy nicotine without the harmful, cancerous fumes that come with traditional smoking – you can find out more about vaping here. If you want to quit smoking, reach out to your doctor for advice.
Keep your hands clean
A few months ago, reminders to wash our hands were everywhere. Now, things have relaxed a little which means the importance of the message has been somewhat diluted. Preventing the spread of coronavirus means washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, regularly. In situations where you can’t access soap and water, bring along hand sanitiser.
Keeping your hands clean isn’t just to prevent the spread of COVID, but as cold and flu season approaches it can help keep you and your family bug-free for the winter months.
Move more
After a long day at work, the last thing anyone wants is to hit the gym. However, just by moving your body more you get your heart pumping, you burn more calories and you feel good! So, take the stairs instead of the lift, park at the far end of the parking lot at the store and walk to the entrance, cycle with the kids on the weekend, and walk the dog briskly and a little further than the park three times a day.
Drink less alcohol
No one deserves that bottle of wine on a Friday night more than you. But, if you want to commit to your health, you should consider reducing your alcohol intake. Drinking excessively can lead to all kinds of health issues including cancers, liver problems, weight gain, high blood pressure and heart problems. Get to know your units and try to cut back a little. You don’t have to give it up entirely but reducing your alcohol intake will certainly give you a health boost – oh and drink more water! The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 litres) of fluids for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 litres) of fluids a day for women.
And finally, eat less salt
So many of our favourite foods are high in salt. And you could be inadvertently consuming too much. High blood pressure, heart problems, strokes and even joint problems are all associated with too much salt. Avoid adding salt as a seasoning on your meals and opt for low sodium options in the supermarket!
