When it comes to our health, most of us have good and bad habits. The choices we make on a daily basis may seem innocuous, but they can actually have a dramatic impact on our health and wellbeing. If you’re eager to improve your health, you should find this guide useful.
Health habits: the good
It’s not always possible to avoid illness, but there are several steps you can take to protect your body and mind. One of the best examples of positive habits is exercising regularly. Inactivity is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. Exercise can also be hugely beneficial for mental health, as it lifts your mood, reduces stress and anxiety and improves sleep patterns. If you don’t already exercise for 150 minutes per week, start taking steps to become more active. Simple changes like going for a walk every evening and taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a difference. You could also look into enrolling in classes or joining the gym or rediscover a passion for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, climbing, cycling or open water swimming.
The bad
Eating well can do wonders for your health, but all too often, we associate changing our eating habits with losing weight. If you’re looking to drop dress sizes, it is important to keep an eye on what you eat, but in most cases, fad diets are not good for your health. You might find that you lose weight rapidly if you restrict your calorie intake dramatically or cut out entire food groups, but the results won’t be sustainable. Instead of dieting to drop weight quickly, focus on improving the quality of your diet and planning balanced, nutritious meals. Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables, protein sources, fiber and whole grains and avoid processed foods that are high in salt, sugar and saturated fats. Using a food diary app or seeing a nutritionist can help you plan and stick to a healthy eating menu that works for you.
The ugly
Some habits are detrimental to our health. One example is smoking. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and strokes, and it can also have a negative impact on dental health. Giving up smoking will benefit your health, as well as your bank balance. It’s difficult to quit smoking, especially if you’re used to smoking frequently, but there are ways to make life easier. Some smokers find switching to vaping effective, while others benefit from going to support groups with fellow smokers who are trying to quit and using nicotine replacement therapies. If you’re thinking about trying vaping, have a look at sites like The Vape Mall and read about vaping online to make sure you understand what it is and how it could help you. It’s also wise to ask your doctor for advice and to take advantage of support systems and treatments that are available to you.
We tend to think of bad habits as leaving the toilet seat up or not putting the milk back in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, some habits can have a more profound impact. Hopefully, this guide will help you turn bad habits into positive lifestyle changes.
