Focusing on your health is important to maintain your body in the long run. Eating well is a great start, but there are so many other things you can do to maintain a healthy body. While there is a lot of advice on the healthiest things you can do, focusing on the basics is a good way to get on the right path.
Exercise
As Everyday Health points out, one of the best things you can do for your health is exercise. Even something simple as a thirty-minute walk a few times a week with some comfortable sneakers can do wonders for your help. Walking, running, biking and other forms of movement are cardiovascular exercises that strengthen your heart. Exercise also builds healthy muscles that protect your bones. It can improve your health by improving your mood. Exercising releases endorphins and other chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. If you like exercising with other people, or need an accountability partner, get a friend and join a workout class or running group together.
Go Outside
Spending some time outside is vitally important to your health. Sunshine is good for you because you absorb Vitamin D, which is good for your bones. According to TMS Clinics of Canada, individuals who don’t get enough sun exposure can become vitamin D deficient. Getting sunshine during the day has also been shown to help you sleep better at night. Being outdoors can also relieve stress by lowering cortisol levels in the body. It has been shown that spending time outdoors is also beneficial to your mind, helping to improve your focus and creativity.
Mindfulness
Another important way to stay healthy is to take care of your mind. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Take at least five deep breaths whenever you are feeling stressed or anxious. You may want to consider yoga, which focuses on the connection between your mind and body. Meditation is another good habit to form, as it helps you stay in the present moment. There are lots of online resources for meditations, along with apps on your phone, and in-person meditation classes.
With this advice in hand, find ways to incorporate these changes that work best for you and your lifestyle. Check with your doctor if you are concerned about any changes you are considering making. Your body will notice and thank you for incorporating these healthy changes into your life.
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