We live a life where Big Mac and fries are delicious, lying in bed watching Netflix for 12 hours is fun, and smoking a cigarette with a friend is “cool.” But does any of that sound remotely healthy? No. It doesn’t.
In a world where pollutants are in the air we inhale, the water we consume, and the food we eat – we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to our health anymore. It’s time for a change.
But change doesn’t mean going on a crazy diet or hitting the gym seven days a week. Instead, small, sustainable switches are what count in the long run.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 7 smart lifestyle changes you can make to live healthier lives. So, without further ado, let us get straight to the topic.
1. Say No to Dangerous Working Conditions
Working in unhealthy conditions can cause serious problems to your mental and physical health; that is why choosing a working environment that doesn’t harm your health and an office with employee-centric working guidelines is important.
In addition, to keep yourself healthy while workinglong hours, take multiple breaks to move your body and get some fresh air.
More importantly, for workers in the construction or manufacturingindustries, proper safety gear must be worn. These sites can harm your physicalhealth in terms of cuts, burns, and falls. Or, even worse, you could bebreathing a carcinogen like asbestos. For quick facts on this dangerous substance, check out thisdetailed guide.
2. Protect Yourself from Toxin Exposure
Toxins are everywhere, from the car exhaust you inhale while stuck in traffic to the pesticides sprayed on your fruits and vegetables. But, sadly, it’s not just the outside world that’s teeming with toxins – your home is likely full of them, too.
To detox your life and protect yourself from harmful toxins, start by making your home a haven. Use all-natural cleaning products, ditch the air fresheners, and invest in an air purifier.
3. Take your Multivitamin Supplements Seriously
If you’re not eating a well-balanced diet, you’re not getting all the necessary nutrients which can affect your mind and body. This is why it is imperative to take Multivitamins which are essential for fulfilling the vitamin requirement in your body.
To make sure you’re taking the right supplements for your needs, speak with a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can help you determine which nutrients you may be lacking and recommend the best supplements. If you forget to take your supplements, set a daily alarm on your phone as a reminder. No excuses.
4. Limit your Alcohol Intake
You must have gotten a lot of unsolicited advice about alcohol over the years. But it turns out your grandparents were on to something when they said moderation is key.
While a glass of red wine has some health benefits, too much alcohol can lead to serious health problems, including liver and heart diseases.
If you want to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For men, it means no more than two drinks a day. For women, it’s one drink a day.
Some people may need to abstain from alcohol entirely, especially if they have a family history of alcoholism. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure whether you should drink or not.
5. Make Breakfast Your Best Meal
How often have you left that boiled egg on your plate because you were rushing to reach the office in time or attend your college lecture? That was an entire pack of amino acids and proteins right there.
Breakfast has a reputation for being the most important meal of the day for a reason. It gives you the energy and nutrients to power through your morning.
Include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in your breakfast. A bowl of oatmeal with some almond butter and berries is a perfect example.
And, if you’re short on time, there are plenty of healthy breakfast options you can make ahead of time. Overnight oats, chia pudding, and hard-boiled eggs are all great options.
6. Cut Down on Phone Usage
As wonderful as smartphones are, they can also be detrimental to our health. Constant phone usage can lead to neck and back pain, headaches, and even eye strain.
One study found that people addicted to their phones have a harder time paying attention and are more prone to anxiety.
To cut down on your phone usage, start by setting some limits. For example, put your phone on silent mode and only check it if necessary. You can also try using an app like Offtime, which allows you to block certain distracting apps.
7. Stay Physically Active
Bed to office chair to couch – if this sounds like your daily routine, it’s time for a change. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the cruelest things you can do for your health.
Not only does physical activity help you maintain a healthy weight, but it also reduces your risk of developing chronic diseases. Not to mention the boost it gives to your mental health.
So, get up and move. Even just a little bit of exercise is better than none at all. Taking a brisk walk in your neighborhood or going for a light jog are both great options. Since you want this to be a permanent lifestyle change, start slow and gradually build up to more intense workouts.
Conclusion
We get it; most of us aren’t struggling with the ‘what’ part of living a healthier life – we know the changes we need to make. The problem is the ‘how.’ How do we make these healthy lifestyle changes when we’re already so busy?
Well, you need a reason to change – whether that’s a specific health goal or a desire to feel better. Once you have your ‘why,’ the how becomes much easier. Start small, with one or two changes, and build from there. And, most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Change is never easy, but it’s always worth it.