We all know that we should treat our body like a temple, but how often do we actually do it? If you’re like most people, you’re probably busy with work, family, study or all of the above, so it’s no wonder why we often leave small health problems and ignore them until they become larger problems.
If you’re planning to take charge of your health this year, congratulations! Here are some tips so you can get your health into tip-top shape:
Stop smoking
This one may seem obvious, but so many people choose to continue smoking even when they know the risks. Often this is because they figure that the damage to their lungs has already been done, so they may as well keep doing it. However studies show that as soon as you quit smoking for good, your body begins repairing the damage- meaning you should quit now and you’ll still have years of health ahead of you. Smoking is also hugely expensive, and this money can be used to buy health food, join a gym, or even save for a holiday.
Eat well
If you’re used to eating on the run, you may have noticed that you’ve added a few extra kilos to your frame. Skipping breakfast may seem like the obvious choice, but choosing a high-protein and high-fibre meal that’s easy to prepare can reduce cravings and set you u for the rest of the day- kickstarting your metabolism.
You can also make a few simple swaps throughout the day- ditch the chips and dip and add carrots instead, browse Pinterest and food blogs to get some ideas for easy, healthy recipes, and slowly cut out sugary foods like candy and chocolate.
Check your teeth
Most people aren’t getting their teeth checked as often as they should, which means that when they do have to go to the dentist they end up spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to fix big problems. Check out Smile for a great solution, and you won’t need to fear the bill at the dentist anymore.
Workout
Along with those lovely endorphins, working out improves your cardiovascular health, tone your body, and makes you feel great. If the idea of heading to the gym makes you cringe, there are plenty of other ways to get fit and healthy. Consider taking up dancing or a martial art or trying a sport you’ve always wanted to try.
Creating some goals can give you a reason to stick to your workout schedule, so consider signing up for a run or competition, joining a sports team that competes, or lifting a certain weight.
Get Focused
We all know that our health isn’t solely physical, so take some time to think about your mental health as well. If you’ve never meditated before, consider trying an app like Headspace or taking up yoga. It’s also a good idea to write in a journal and make a list of your goals for the year.
