A better life starts with a better you, and a better you means making healthier choices. Over the past few days, I have taken the POND’S 7 Day Challenge, and one of the challenges was to indulge in healthy habits. Because I absolutely love this concept POND’S have come up with, and have been inspired by my new lifestyle, I thought it would be a great idea to share some of my healthiest habits with you.
Eat Breakfast Every Morning
Eating a wholesome and healthy breakfast every morning is a great way to start your day. It enhances your alertness, attention and performance. Breakfast eaters are also less likely to suffer from obesity and diabetes, when compared to non-breakfast eaters, since they consume more vitamins and minerals and less fat and cholesterol, and have a lower chance of overeating later in the day. To get the full benefits of an early morning breakfast, make sure you consume a meal that contains carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat. Because no single food gives you all of the nutrients you need, eating a variety of foods, ensuring you get a good mix of nutrients, is essential for good health. So, spice up your breakfast once in a while. It won’t kill you.
Stay Hydrated
Your body is made of more water than anything else, so it should come as no surprise that staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health and prolonging your life. Water regulates body temperature, protects our joints and organs, and helps transport oxygen to body cells. It also cleanses your digestive tract and keeps you from overeating. To keep our bodies in the best working order, we need to make sure that our water levels are constantly replenished by hydrating frequently. You can hydrate by eating water rich fruits and vegetables. Drinking herbal tea or flavoured water made with fruits such as berries or lemons is also a good way to consume this vital fluid.
Exercise
Exercise is a must if you want to live a healthy life. Whether it’s taking a 10 minute walk or doing work around the house, any type of physical activity is important for living well. Exercising helps control your weight, strengthens your heart, enhances your respiratory system, maintains healthy bones, muscles and joints, reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, and promotes psychological well-being. And, yes there is always time for exercise. Our lives may be busy, but there’s opportunity for exercise everywhere. You just need to be creative.
Make Social Connections
Having a good social life plays a huge role in having a happy and healthy life. Connecting with others, meeting new people and socialising with friends impacts your physical and mental well being positively, and is a very important mechanism in combating stress and depression. Like the saying goes, a good friend is cheaper than therapy. So whether you’re having a bad day and need someone to listen to you or if you just need someone for some emotional support, look to a friend. Social ties literally add years to your life.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital for good health as well as mental and emotional well-being. Since sleep regulates the release of the hormone cortisol, which stimulates cells that boost the immune system, getting enough is important to defend against the common cold and even major illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Failing to get an efficient amount of sleep or sleeping at odd hours can negatively affect memory, performance and learning. Your body and mind needs to refuel and recharge for at least seven hours every day, so make sure you get your daily fix of quality slumber; plain and simple.
Even if you aren’t taking the POND’S 7 Day Challenge, which I encourage all of you to do, adopting healthier habits are essential to achieving your best level of health and living a quality life. A small change can make a huge impact.
TAKE THE PONDS 7 DAY CHALLENGE HERE!
What is your number one healthy habit?
Article by: Kelly Abrahams
