In the simplest of terms, we are at our best when we are healthy. But is it so simple to maintain an excellent state of health? We are faced with a lot of temptations: ending up on the couch, eating junk food and watching TV or checking social media.

If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you need to make some changes. At first, you might find it difficult to adapt but, as you see the difference, you will be convinced that it ws is worth it. Let’s find out together how you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle, by making a few but smart modifications.

1 Opt for the wholesome diet

Even though you might find it hard to opt for a wholesome diet, with a little bit of effort, you will succeed. The first thing to do is increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables; you can visit the local farmer’s market and get seasonal pickings. Add legumes, nuts and seeds, lean meat and whole grains to your diet, as these will support the healthy functioning of the digestive system. 

Try to prepare your meals at home and when eating out, choose meals prepared from fresh ingredients. Sit down to enjoy a meal, without looking at your smartphone or the TV. And, remember, we are what we eat. In order to stay healthy, we have to eat healthy.

2 Be active

Our modern lives mean we spend a lot of time indoors, often sitting behind a desk for hours. One of the first steps towards being healthy requires that you get up and become active. It doesn’t matter which activity; all that matters is that you are using your body, toning your muscles and lubricating your joints.

Physical activity can be useful in improving the manifestations of various conditions. It can help with low muscle tone and, when adapted, it can improve the symptoms of conditions such as plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from such problems, you can always consider additional treatment solutions. For example, you can opt for a foot massage, a foot spa or a foot roller. All of these products are meant to relax the tensed muscles in the area, bringing much-desired pain relief.

3 Drink plenty of water

Dehydration is one of the main factors that can have a negative impact on general health. When we fail to drink adequate amounts of water, we are actually preventing our organs and systems from functioning as they should. 

The minimum recommended amount of water per day is of eight glasses. What matters is that we drink water and avoid having too much tea, coffee or sodas. Some of these beverages have diuretic properties, making dehydration worse. Others are rich in sugar and they offer empty calories, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Regular water satisfies our thirst and keeps up hydrated. It is as simple as that. And when we are adequately hydrated, we also function as we should.

Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night

Our bodies function according to a circadian rhythm. We are designed to be active throughout the day and sleep during the night. In modern times, we have the tendency to work long hours and skip sleep; we spend increased hours looking into bright screens and complain of insomnia. The lack of sleep can prevent us from maintaining a healthy lifestyle, increasing the risk of chronic health problems and reducing our overall performance (physical and mental).

The obvious solution is to sleep the recommended amount of time, between 7 and 8 hours per night. It is also essential to pay attention to the sleep hygiene. For example, you should never have a heavy meal right before going to bed. Your body will be busy digesting all that food and you won’t be able to sleep. Avoid spending too much time on your phone or watching TV, as this can excite the brain cells and preventing you from sleeping. Last, but not least, make sure your room is not too warm or the air is too dry.

5 Say goodbye to being busy

This is, perhaps, one of the most important factors that contribute to chronic health problems. We have become accustomed to working all the time, regardless of the consequences. We spend less time in the open outdoors and we are permanently connected to some sort of device. While technology is to be appreciated for its value, moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle. 

When you get home, instead of checking out social media and feeling like you are missing out, go and do something. Take a walk in the park, play tennis or go swimming. Active fun is a good way to stay healthy and feel amazing from a mental perspective. Being busy is not as glamorous as it might seem, not to mention it will cause you to feel anything but healthy.

In conclusion, aim to eat healthily, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep, work productively and in moderation, manage your stress and stay active. And, remember to have fun, because it’s always a good way to unwind and relax.

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