Having healthy habits can help you live longer, give you more energy and improve your quality of life in so many ways. But how do you know which healthy habits are right for you? This blog post offers five of the most important health tips of all time to help you build healthier routines and live better overall.
1) Walk more
A recent study found that walking just 10,000 steps per day (about five miles) can increase life expectancy by three years. Walking is a simple, healthy way of getting exercise, and you don’t need much special equipment—just comfortable shoes and good posture. Try incorporating some activity into your daily routine, like walking or biking instead of driving whenever possible. Not only will you feel better in general, but you’ll be helping yourself live longer as well.
2) Eat fruit and vegetables
One way to be sure you’re eating right is by making sure your body gets at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Fruit and veggies are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support a healthy body and overall health. They also contain fiber, which keeps your digestive system running smoothly—and research suggests that those who get enough fiber in their diets have lower BMIs than people who don’t. (1) Additionally, plant-based foods like these tend to fill you up more than animal products or processed foods, so they can help keep you from overeating during mealtime too.
3) Get enough sleep
Not getting enough sleep can mess with your hormones and make you gain weight. You’re probably aware of how serious of an issue sleep deprivation is, but now that we know it directly affects our physical health and appearance, it’s even more important for us all to make sleeping a priority. This is especially crucial for women who are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s—when sleepless nights become more common. A recent study found that women who slept five hours or less per night weighed 11 pounds more on average than those who slept 7 hours per night. Yikes!
4) Cook your own meals
Cooking at home can save you money, help you lose weight, and ensure that your meals are healthy. Make sure you have some go-to recipes in your back pocket and create a shopping list before heading out so you don’t overspend or buy more than what’s necessary. Most importantly: don’t forget to clean up! It may seem obvious, but too many people leave their mess for someone else. This is not only inconsiderate, it's unhealthy—bacteria from food spills can contaminate other foods. Wash dishes as soon as you're done eating; if there's no time, use paper plates instead of letting them pile up in your sink. And remember: kitchen sponges are breeding grounds for germs! Keep them separate from dishes to avoid cross-contamination.
5) Manage Stress
While people may not realize it, stress can have a major impact on your health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take steps to reduce your stress levels. Whether you go for a run or meditate, find a method of relaxation that works for you. Reducing stress will lower your risk of developing serious medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, and it can also improve overall quality of life.
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