How many times have you been told it’s important to stay fit and healthy? It’s advice that’s touted by many different people, but not a lot is said about how to do it. It certainly sounds pretty easy but knowing where to start is often what puts people off. You know there are things about your lifestyle that aren’t doing you any favors but knowing which ones to concentrate on first is the dilemma. You’ll be pleased to know the changes you make don’t have to be big ones. Here are 10 ways you can get your fitness and health back on track.
- Regular Checkups– visit your doctor regularly for checkups. If you’ve got insurance, the cost of these is covered. This can be tricky for those without insurance. If you are over 65, or have a loved one over 65, check your Arizona Medicaid eligibility. Arizona Medicaid is a program designed for senior citizens who need financial assistance to cover medical costs.
- Regular Exercise– exercise is important for your body, even if it’s just getting out for a walk a few times every week. Different types of exercise benefit your body in a variety of ways.
- Balanced Diet– eat as many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and pulses as possible. Don’t feel the need to eat meat every day and replace it with other healthy protein sources such as fish and tofu. Steer clear of highly processed foods that contain artificial colors or sweeteners, hidden sugars or too much fat.
- Ditch the Bad Habits– smoking and drinking are two habits you need to break if you want to lead a healthier lifestyle. That’s not to say giving up will be easy. Thankfully, there are health professionals and resources you can use to help you quit.
- Protect Yourself in the Sun– there’s nothing wrong with spending time in the sunshine as long as you protect yourself. The suns rays are very harmful as they damage the skin and could lead to cancer. Cover up during the hottest times of the day and use a high factor sunscreen on any exposed parts of your body. Wear a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses for extra protection.
- Spend Time Outdoors– spending time outdoors is good for your health. If you’re up early in the morning, then go out for a walk, rather than watching breakfast TV.
- Keep Hydrated– it’s important to keep yourself hydrated. Water is a great cleanser for your organs and digestive system. Your brain also needs plenty of water.
- Get Enough Sleep– if you’re not getting enough sleep your mood, metabolism, memory, concentration, motor skills, immune system, and stress hormones can be adversely affected.
- Reduce Stress– managing the stress in your life reduces the chance of you suffering from heart or digestion problems. Find a way to manage your stress that suits you.
- Relax– learning to relax moreis also beneficial for your health and wellness. Don’t feel the need to be doing something 24 hours a day. There aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything you want, so prioritize those that are important and allow some time for relaxing.