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Living a healthy lifestyle is easier than ever if you know where to start. Fortunately, in addition to the old tried and true advice of eating well and exercising, there are steps you can take each day to live your healthiest life. Here, Cultural Society offers a few tips to get you started.
Define your lifestyle
One of the first and simplest things you can do to live well is to define what a healthy life looks like to you. Do you want to gain muscle or lose weight? Do you want to have more energy to play with your children? Whatever your goal, write it down, and then determine what you need to do in order to achieve your goal.
Also take a look at what’s in your closet. Are you wearing comfortable clothes that are also flattering? Do yourself a favor and plan out your wardrobe to match your lifestyle, and be sure to factor in not just the right fit but what’s complimentary to your body shape. As they say, you are what you wear!
Manage your stress
Stress is a natural part of life, but too much stress can significantly affect our mental and physical health. We can’t get rid of all the stress in our lives, but we can look for ways to minimize stress and its impact. For example, if work leaves you feeling depleted and frazzled? Perhaps it’s time to get a handle on recognizing your stress trigger points. This is a perfect antidote to stress, especially for those in managerial roles.
Or perhaps you’ve started your own business and you’re realizing you can’t do everything yourself. This is a clear sign it’s time to hire help. If you can’t afford employees, freelancers can be an affordable alternative. Whatever the stressors are, identify them, and then determine a plan of action to reduce their effects.
Take care of your teeth
The body works in mysterious ways. This is true in many aspects but especially when it comes to the link between dental health and depression. Depression can leave you lethargic and less willing to take care of yourself, starting with your morning oral hygiene routine. Get yourself back on track by eating teeth-friendly foods and visiting your dentist, and you’ll see an improvement not only to your smile but also to your mental health.
Smile all the time
Speaking of your smile, flashing your pearly whites can improve your health in many ways. Smiling—something children do around 400 times each day, according to the Henry Ford Health System—has been linked to a better immune system, less stress, and lower blood pressure. This is because the simple act releases endorphins, which are hormones that act like tiny little party planners that come out of hiding and prepare your entire mind and body for happiness.
Clean the house
Having a clean house also has lots of benefits, and one of these is that having less clutter cuts down on dust and, potentially, pests. Being clean and organized also fosters a sense of calmness and, if that’s not enough, it means that you’re also always ready when the neighbors pop over for a surprise visit. Perhaps most importantly, simple actions, like opening the windows and decluttering, can instill a sense of positivity.
If your family is always on-edge, spend a long weekend purging, cleaning, and moving the furniture around. This can make even a cramped space feel bright and airy. An oil diffuser can also be a great addition, imbuing your home with calming scents. Consider essential oils like lavender, clary sage, rosemary or bergamot
Ditch the bad habits
Ideally, you don’t smoke cigarettes and only occasionally indulge in adult beverages, but these are not the only bad habits that can affect your health. Things like eating in the car, not sleeping enough, and skipping your regular healthcare screenings are all on Parrish Healthcare’s list of bad habits that can increase your chances of heart disease, cancer, and other health concerns.
Diet and exercise are certainly paramount to your health. You can enhance their importance in your life by joining a wellness initiative. But there are other habits that you can start—or break—that will lead to a healthier you. Self-care strategies such as taking care of your teeth, keeping a clean house, and letting go of unhealthy behaviors will keep you moving and grooving for the long run. You’ll be happier, healthier, and ready to tackle each and every day with a smile on your face.
This article is brought to you by Cultural Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of those in our community. We envision a learning environment without borders. Our mission is to inspire curiosity for learning and to nurture the next generation of world citizens embracing diversity with health-conscious lifestyles. For more information, please contact us today!
