The secret to a long, healthy lifestyle does not lie in eating more fruits and vegetables. Nor does it lie in daily exercise, drinking lots of water, or smiling at strangers. These are all fine and good, but they are means to an end. If you really want to adopt a healthy lifestyle, it requires that you first be conscientious.
How do you start being conscientious about your health? We’ve compiled a list of things that maybe you haven’t considered seriously as steps toward a healthy lifestyle. But they are super easy.
Considering your own mortality and thinking of ways to live longer can seem not only distant, but it can also be intimidating. Don’t let it be. These simple suggestions will do wonders for you and your lifespan.
Go to the doctor.
If you are feeling under the weather, or have odd pains, or anything, go see a doctor. It is best to see a health care provider who specializes in both general and alternative medicine. Your body is amazing, but it is not always capable of regeneration. Take control of your own health.
Receiving chiropractic care is also a great way to make sure your body is functioning properly.
Stand up.
Do it right now. You are at your computer reading this, and unless you have one of those amazing standing desks, you are sitting down. Don’t do it so much. Not only is it the first step towards getting your blood moving, some studies have linked extended sitting to different types of cancer.
While you’re up, if you are able, go for a brisk walk. All science aside, walking is a great way to think, plan, and get some fresh air.
Hara hachi bun me.
Roughly translated from Japanese, this means “Eat until you are 80% full.” It is a teaching that goes all the way back to the mind of Confucius.
In some cultures, including the United States, it is common to eat until you are full or even past full. It makes sense, doesn’t it? It actually doesn’t. Overeating causes your stomach to expand, not only to fit more food but to fit more water to continually hydrate your body. This starts a vicious cycle wherein your body nobly tries to keep you full – and as you eat more, you gain more weight. And that introduces all sorts of problems.
One trick to help you with this is to drink water with your meals. You will feel more full early on, and you will prevent yourself from overeating.
Drink water until you are no longer thirsty.
This one seems fairly intuitive. But how many of us actually drink the amount of water our bodies require daily?
The classic rule is the so-called “8×8” rule: eight, eight-ounce glasses of water per day. However, there is a much better ruler to measure by.
Depending on the amount of physical activity you do in a day, your need for water will fluctuate. Other factors include weight, how much you sweat, and more. The best way to balance this is two-fold.
- Drink water. There is no adequate substitute for it. Other liquids are great for your body, but no matter what else you consume, drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
- Drink water until you are no longer thirsty. It’s simple enough. Your body’s number one goal is to keep you alive and well. When it is satisfied, you feel it. Trust your body.
Be social.
This isn’t about being an introvert or an extrovert. Everyone’s social circle has a different circumference. But make sure you have one.
A study shows that if you want to live longer, having strong social relationships is nearly twice as beneficial as vigorous, daily exercise.
Besides being good for your emotional health, friends can help us be conscientious by aiding us to make wise decisions. A strong social life does not have to include dozens of friends. It just needs to include true, loving friends who want the best for you.
Learn something new.
At our jobs, in school, at home, we are always learning and re-learning. We ingest facts, news, useless details about the lives of our Facebook friends, and more all the time. However, something you can do to take control is to learn something of your choosing.
It can be a hobby, a skill, about a certain topic, and more. Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and for that fleeting moment in the day, pursue an interest. As you positively associate learning with joy, you will more actively seek knowledge. And you can take pride in what you have learned, and the effort you put into it.
Believe in a healthy lifestyle
Perhaps there is nothing more cliché, more overwrought than suggestions to live a healthy lifestyle. A lot of us tend to wax cynical when it comes to our own health. However, when you choose to believe in living a healthy lifestyle, these small simple steps will lead to greater strides.