10 Essential Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy
Here’s a list of some simple things you can do to stay healthy and happy…
1) Enhance Movement:
Make sure that you challenge yourself to move your body every day. Try to use stairs instead of escalators. You can take your dog for a walk or you can even chase the kids. Park in the furthest space at the mall to get in more walking. You can toss a ball and play with friends. Try to mow the lawn and do yard maintenance yourself. You’ll save money on a gardener and get the benefits of physical activity. Any movement which gives your limbs a chance to be used is not only an exercise but a fitness program in itself. Just 30 minutes of brisk movement or activity will make all the difference. Keep yourself as active as you can. Keep it up on a daily basis in addition to work outs if your can manage it. You’ll be surprised at the difference it can make in your physical and emotional health.
2) Decrease Fat intake:
In my Century City Personal Trainer classes I teach my clients to avoid fried foods, burgers and other meats which contain more of fat. You can take dairy products which have low fat in them. Nuts and sandwich can be taken but limit its number. Which ever food is available in low fat version can be taken. Try to burn the total amount of fat that you take in.
3)Quit Smoking:
Smoking is harmful to your health. If you haven’t started smoking then do all you can to avoid this deadly habit. If you are a smoker, stop partaking of tobacco products which have been long-proven to cause terminal disease. Warn your kids also of the harm which results in smoking. This is not a habit to be taken lightly as its impact is far reaching. Second hand smoke is a real danger to others. Don’t put yourself or your loved ones in harms way. Never try to tempt yourself into just one. This ‘just one’ will never help you stop smoking.
4) Reduce Stress:
Reducing stress is much easier said than done. Stress comes in many forms and seems to ba a constant force to battle. Some of the techniques which the experts recommend are that you should avoid negative thoughts. As a Beverly Hills Personal Trainer I try to always think positively. Find what makes you feel good and make it a habit. Spend half an hour every day doing the things which interests you or bring you enjoyment. You can practice mediating every day. If you find that you tend to lose your temper, try taking a deep breath and counting to ten. If you find that some people are very difficult to deal with then avoid them whenever possible. Whatever it takes, find ways to reduce your stress and your will live a longer, healthier and more peaceful life.
5) Try to Protect Yourself from Pollution:
If the circumstances are such that you cannot live in a smoke free environment then you can at least avoid smoke filled rooms. You can also avoid high traffic areas as they will have more pollution. You should also avoid exercising near heavy traffic areas. When it is smog free you can exercise in the open. Even inside your house you can exercise when the air is good. Plant lots of trees in your garden so that when you take a stroll in your garden you get more fresh air.
6) Wear Your Seatbelt:
When you are traveling by car always use your seatbelt. In addition to saving your life in the event of an accident, wearing your seatbelt will keep you secure during sudden stops, turns or movement that can result in neck and back strain and injury.
7) Visit the Dentist and Keep Your Teeth Clean:
Recent research has shown that there is a direct connection between long life and teeth cleaning. This could be due to the reduction in bacteria or decay that go along with bad teeth. But the reason for such a link is not yet known. Anyway a good idea can be adopted even without knowing the reason why it is good.
Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol Intake:
Some studies has pointed out that a glass of red wine a day has some positive health benefits. But if the quantity of drinking increases and becomes a habit then it can harm your kidneys and liver. So it is far better not to drink at all to avoid the overwhelming negative impact and the pains and struggle that result from trying to give up such a habit.
9) Always Have a Positive Mental Outlook:
Keep a smile on your face and make a conscience decision to be in a good mood. Studies show that happy people suffer from less stress and stress related disease and live longer than those of us who are unhappy, depressed or mentally worn down.
10) Drink Lots Of Water:
water nourishes of the body. Water is very important to every living being. No living thing can exist without it forever. Our bodies are mostly water. The more water you drink the more toxins from your body are washed out. So never avoid the chance to have a healthy glass of water. Throughout the day you will have to take in as much water as possible. Do not hesitate to drink water.
June 19th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Smoking is the most horrible thing that you can do for your body. I think that anybody that smokes is asking for trouble.