Maybe you already eat healthy, exercise, and take multivitamins. Perhaps you’ve spoken to your doctor about habits that you need to change. You’re not alone in wanting to find simpler ways to improve your health.
Thankfully, there are good habits you can incorporate into your everyday routine. Along with these methods, you can also find adequate healthcare coverage for peace of mind. Check out these simple methods below and learn about your healthcare options, too.
Start With the Essentials
Drinking enough water is necessary for nourishing your body and may prevent headaches. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep too. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that up to one-third of Americans are sleep-deprived. Start by implementing soothing bedtime rituals and aiming to get seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep. Whenever you can, take time to recharge. This could mean turning off your phone, taking a rest day or much-needed vacation, or learning meditation techniques.
Stay Fit
Not getting enough exercise? Inc. advises you to make exercise fun. Set yourself up for success by completing challenges such as using the stairs instead of the elevator, riding your bike to a new coffee shop, or rollerblading to places that are less than five miles away (if you’re a beginner, make sure you purchase a model with a brake on the back of the skate). Programs such as Couch to 5K are great for beginners who may not have previous experience. If running or small challenges aren’t for you, enroll in a dance class, take walks, or invest in video game workouts.
Improve Your Diet
Eating healthy can be difficult for busy people, but you can implement certain tips slowly. If you love carbs, switch to whole-grain versions of bread or pasta instead of quitting cold turkey. Switch sugary frappuccinos with black coffee or herbal teas, and eat some dark chocolate or fruit if you have a sweet tooth. Incorporate healthy fats into your diet as well. Peanut butter, olive oil, and avocados, cheese, and full-fat yogurt are great sources of healthy fats that taste delicious and contain other vital nutrients. If you’re rushed for time and want to eat healthy, consider using an electric pressure cooker to prepare your meals. There are many affordable models available that are easy to use and can quickly cook nutritious recipes.
Take Care of Your Teeth
Studies show that people with gum disease are also at risk of developing heart disease. This is because germs that cause periodontal disease can get into your bloodstream, allowing them to increase inflammation that can increase your risk of health issues such as stroke or heart disease. Get regular checkups with your dentist and floss your teeth!
Keep Moving
Sitting for extended periods is also unhealthy. Take short breaks and try to walk as much as you can. TIME reports that sitting at work may be a problem, but watching TV for hours on end is an even bigger health risk. There are apps and web extensions that will remind you to stand up and stretch.
Drink + Smoke Less
Drinking alcohol moderately is okay for most people, but abstaining is better for others. If you choose to drink, familiarize yourself with actual serving sizes of alcoholic beverages, and aim to have one glass of water between drinks. Do you smoke or use tobacco products? Talk to your doctor about quitting and staying smoke-free.
Keep Health Insurance Updated
Health insurance can provide peace of mind in the event of an unforeseen health problem. There are different types of plans available, so it’s important to shop around and evaluate your needs. Make sure to sign up, change, or renew your health insurance plan during open enrollment. If you don’t, you’ll have to wait until a special enrollment period to make changes.
With these health tips, you can improve your body, spirit, and mind. Start incorporating these health-boosting habits today and improve your overall wellness.