Improve life style
20 Easy Ways to Improve Yourself and Your Life
When there’s work and family and bills and more, it’s easy to think of self-improvement and personal development as something you’ll have time for one day. The same goes for improving your life overall.
But improving your life—or yourself—doesn’t have to be about making one big gesture. Instead, it typically comes down to the small things you do every day that can add up to larger growth in the long run. These small habits and practices may help you increase your confidence, reduce your stress, build deeper relationships, stabilize your work-life balance, become a healthier person (mentally, emotionally, or physically), and be happier.
SEARCH OPEN JOBS ON THE MUSE! See who’s hiring here , and you can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more. Then, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll deliver advice on landing the job right to you.
No one has all the time in the world to think about self-improvement, so let’s start with just 30 minutes. Yup, that’s all—bet you’re listening now.
We’ve come up with a list of activities that can help you become a better “you” in just half an hour (or less) each week. Give one (or two or five or all!) of them a try.
1. Practice mindfulness.
I’m sure you’re sick of hearing that you should “totally try meditation,” especially from your (newly) yoga-devoted mother. But mindfulness is a lot more realistic to achieve than the kind of meditation you hear about because it doesn’t require years of practice or a yoga mat. Mindfulness only takes 30 minutes (or less!) and can be done without leaving your desk.
Wanna give it a shot? Here’s exactly how to do it.
2. Develop a consistent morning routine.
One way to have a productive day—and save yourself time in the morning—is to break down every task you need to do into small steps and then schedule all of them. This means you know exactly what activity you’ll do from the moment you wake up.
Sounds a bit overwhelming, yes, but the reason it works is because you don’t waste any time trying to decide on things—spending 10 minutes picking out an outfit, spending 15 minutes deciding if you want to go on a run—you just do it. And that way, you’ll (almost) always be out of the house exactly on time.
via GIPHY
3. Do the same with a bedtime routine.
Another way you can get to a happy, healthy morning is a terrific bedtime routine. There’s no perfect formula that’ll work for everyone. The important thing is to make one and stick to it.
For example, every evening I shower, make my lunch for the next day, and spend 10 or so minutes doing something that relaxes me, whether that’s scrolling through social media, reading 15 pages of a book, or talking to my parents on the phone. The consistency helps me fall asleep better and feel prepared to conquer the next day.
Here are five great bedtime routines you should definitely try—and each will only take you five minutes.
4. Redo your bedroom for a better night’s sleep.
Especially when you’re busy or stressed, it can be hard to get your best sleep every night, even with an awesome bedtime routine. Try creating a space where you’ll always feel good going to bed by using one or more of these seven quick DIY projects.
5. Find an energizing midday activity.
You probably saw it coming, but just as important as setting a schedule for your mornings and evenings is having an activity that’s guaranteed to bring you out of even the worst midday slump.
Try these five habits or these easy ways to recharge (that don’t involve coffee).
via GIPHY
6. Make your lunch (and dinner).
Making your meals every day not only guarantees you have control over your health, but it’s also cheaper and a great way to learn a new skill or experiment with your cooking abilities. Plus, you get to boast to coworkers when they ask where you got the food. For some brag-worthy recipes, check out these 52 lunch ideas, or these quick office snack ideas.
7. Then eat it away from your desk.
Muse writer Kat Boogaard learned many valuable lessons after eating lunch away from her desk. For one thing, taking a break is just good for you. But she also realized the importance of practicing work-life balance all day, rather than just after work was over. By giving yourself that time off during office hours, you’re already one step closer to a healthier, well-balanced life.
8. Watch a TED Talk.
TED Talks are like mini-lectures. They just might teach you more about yourself, inspire you to innovate, or just introduce an interesting new topic. Plus, they’re usually only about 20 minutes—so you can watch one and get a super quick knowledge boost while getting ready for work in the morning, during your lunch break, or when you’re sitting in a waiting room.
9. Listen to a podcast.
Similarly, podcasts are great on-the-go entertainment. And a lot of the time they’re just what you need to unwind. I’m a big fan of tackling one podcast during my commute each day—half of it on the way to work, half on the way back, and the stories always bring out some real emotions. (For reference, my favorites are This American Life and You’re the Expert.) But the types of podcasts out there are very nearly limitless. So whether you want to catch up on the news, learn something new, hear what people are saying about your favorite topic (whether that’s fantasy sports, The Real Housewives, historical events, or video games), experience a fascinating true story, or laugh at something more light-hearted, you can find the perfect podcast for every mood.
via GIPHY
10. Freewrite.
Freewriting is basically what the name implies: writing, freely—as in without any directions or constraints. You don’t need to be a writer to freewrite. In fact, dropping all the concerns about how your writing sounds or whether it’s grammatically correct is key. You just set a timer and start writing, maybe with a prompt or question to get you started, and see where the writing takes you. It’s a great way to discover something new about what you want or what you’re feeling. Here are five prompts to help you freewrite your way out of a career slump (plus a few tips).
11. Do a bunch of little productive tasks.
I challenge you to set aside 30 minutes and do all those tiny tasks you’ve been meaning to do, but keep putting off, all at once. First, this prevents you from multitasking later on when emails are rushing in while you’re trying to do your work. Second, it forces you to tackle those things that make you cringe—things that, once they’re done, will make your life a heck of a lot easier.
Not sure what chores I mean? I’ll help you out—here’s a to-do list of 21 useful things you can do in five minutes. If those don’t do it for you, here are nine other productive things you can complete in 15 minutes.
12. Get to know yourself.
What better way to improve your life than by learning all about your strengths and weaknesses and homing in on your best self? To get started, here are 14 free personality test you can take in the next half hour.
via GIPHY
13. Treat yourself.
How long has it been since you treated yourself to a relaxing massage or a manicure? Well, maybe this is your week to do it. Was there a game you’ve been meaning to download and play? Or a cool new lunch spot you’ve wanted to try? You deserve it, so go get it.
14. Revisit your goals.
You probably made some New Year’s resolutions or set monthly goals for yourself (whether on paper or in the back of your mind). Have you followed through on any of them? Are there ones you can get rid of, or alter? Do you feel confident in achieving all of them? Take some time to reflect positively on how far you’ve come, and think about where you want to be—and maybe write down the steps you need to take to get there.
15. Start a feedback file (or return to one).
Everyone has periods when they’re feeling discouraged. For these moments, you can create a feedback file. Go back and screenshot, jot down, or otherwise note positive feedback you’ve received—whether it’s about your work, a hobby, or anything else. Put it all in one place and continue to add to it over time. Then, whenever you’re feeling down on yourself, you can return to all the great things people have said about you and remind yourself of your strengths. You might also return to the work feedback when it’s time to prepare for a review, write a cover letter, or do something else that involves talking yourself up.
16. Note your achievements
Taking the time to reflect on what you’ve done well each week can help you focus on the positive. And like the feedback file, returning to your past achievements week after week can be a confidence booster—and help you out when it comes time to brag about yourself. We’ve even created a handy worksheet to help you track your achievements over time.
via GIPHY
17. Connect with an old friend or new coworker.
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen or talked to someone you used to chat with regularly, reach out and let them know you’re thinking about them. Maybe even try it the old-fashioned way—sending a physical letter! Snail mail can make anyone’s day. (Isn’t it the best when you find an envelope addressed to you and it’s not a bill or junk mail?)
Or if you haven’t had a chance to meet a colleague in another department or a new coworker who just joined last week, consider setting up a lunch or coffee. You’ll make a work friend and, even better, you’ll build up your network.
18. Clean your closet.
By “closet” I also mean your desk, your office, your bedroom, or even your kitchen cabinets. Cleaning is stress-relieving, and actually a form of mindful meditation, according to some studies. You can even try “tidying up” your work life, Marie Kondo–style, to help spark more joy.
19. Do some screen-free activities.
It’s not exactly groundbreaking to say that we spend a lot of our lives staring at screens. But taking some time to intentionally engage in activities that aren’t on a computer, TV, phone, or other device can help our eyes, our sleep, and our overall mental well-being. Try taking up a hobby like reading (books or magazines with actual paper pages), painting, crocheting, or playing an instrument to give yourself a break.
via GIPHY
20. Get outside.
Notice how I didn’t say “go to the gym” or “go for a run.” Because, yes, exercise is great. But for most people, including myself, it’s a lot easier said than done.
So I have another option for you—go outside. Walk around, sit in the park and read, or go for a leisurely bike ride. Just being outdoors is good for you in so many ways. It improves creativity, helps us age better, makes us happier, and, it might actually make you want to work out more (science says so!).
Don’t you feel better already? Try out these simple activities and see if you can start to develop a few new habits—ultimately you’ll see benefits far beyond just the 30 minutes a week you spend on them.
Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.
Updated 3/18/2022
Previously an editor for The Muse, Alyse is proud to prove that yes, English majors can change the world. She’s written almost 500 articles for The Muse on anything from productivity tips to cover letters to bad bosses to cool career changers, many of which have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Inc. , CNBC's Make It, USA Today College, Lifehacker, Mashable, and more. She calls many places home, including Illinois where she grew up and the small town of Hamilton where she attended Colgate University, but she was born to be a New Yorker. In addition to being an avid writer and reader, Alyse loves to dance, both professionally and while waiting for the subway.
More from Alyse KalishHow to Improve Your Life Today: 10 Tips
1. Writing your story every dayYou’re the owner of your life. How do you want that to look today?
“For life improvement, I suggest considering what you’d like to accomplish today, and the vibe you want to carry,” says John Duffy, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of the book “The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens.”
Like any author, you may have a few story plots to choose from. Duffy suggests you try to identify which is the better story for you and go for it.
“The better story might be getting up earlier rather than sleeping in [or] reaching out to help someone instead of passively ignoring their need,” he adds.
2. Identifying what’s keeping you stuck
How to improve your life may be a matter of identifying those things that get in the way of said improvement. Are there certain events or people in your life that you feel have become roadblocks to your development?
Feeling stuck might look different for everyone. You may feel like it regardless of the circumstances in your life, or you might have specific relationships or tasks that take energy and focus from you.
You might want to start exploring what “feeling stuck” means to you, if anything at all. Maybe you feel empty or lonely, or perhaps you engage in procrastination.
“This approach gets you to be both reflective and active, [which are] two steps necessary for change,” says Deborah Serani, PsyD, a clinical psychologist.
Serani also recommends considering these three steps:
- Stop. “Oftentimes it’s a blind spot you can’t see, so taking time to mull things over helps you see more clearly,” says Serani. “Is it a decision you’re afraid to make? Are certain people bringing you down? Are you in a cycle of negative thinking?”
- Look around. Serani recommends you consider how this blind spot is touching your life. “Is it only at home? Or just at work [or] school?” she adds.
- Listen to yourself. What are your heart and mind telling you about what you need to do? “Learning to reflect on your inner thoughts and feelings will help you trust putting them into action,” says Serani.
Consider exploring these areas of your life:
- interpersonal conflict and friction
- career goals and job opportunities
- emotional regulation and how it impacts your mood
- physical health and lifestyle habits that impact it
3. Focusing on right now
Are you overly concerned about past mistakes or what will happen tomorrow? Focusing on self-growth and life improvement may require you to live in the present moment.
According to Alison Thayer, LCPC, a psychotherapist in Chicago, focusing on right now can be challenging, especially in today’s world.
“Today’s technology and expectation to be connected or available to work at all times is one of the most prominent challenges people face when trying to be present in the here and now,” she says.
So, how can you focus more on the present? Consider these:
- a mindfulness practice
- accepting the things you can’t control
- living more intentionally
- reaching peace of mind
- letting go of unhealthy attachments
- forgiving yourself
- engaging in grounding exercises
4. Getting better at time management
Among the things you can do to improve your life right now, managing time efficiently may be key.
Time management helps you achieve more, improve focus, stay motivated, and avoid feeling like you’re wasting time.
The feeling itself of being productive may improve your mood and your mental well-being.
You can get better at time management by:
- blocking time on your calendar for must-dos and honoring those time blocks
- stacking habits or doing a few things at the same time. For example, reviewing your calendar while you get breakfast.
- starting with the most challenging tasks early in the morning or when you feel you have the most energy
- finding an organizational or tracking system that works for you and gives you a glance of what you’ve accomplished throughout the day
- scheduling periodic pauses during the day to reset your mind and body
- rewarding yourself when you complete a task
5. Setting realistic and attainable goals
The best things for self-improvement aren’t necessarily the most complex and difficult to obtain. Often, improving your life is taking care of the details.
“Setting goals is a key step in accomplishments,” says Thayer. “However, […] lofty goals […] may not even be realistic.”
If you’re setting sky-high goals from the start, you may end up feeling like you’re not improving at all.
“Holding ourselves to goals that we cannot reach can damage our self-esteem and inhibit our interest in trying to reach these goals again,” says Thayer. “When setting your mind to reach a goal, ask yourself ‘Is this realistic and can I actually attain this goal?’ If the answer is no, consider breaking the goal down into intermediate steps or modifying it all together.”
6. Challenging negative thoughts
Everyone uses common cognitive distortions to explain everyday situations. These are filters you inadvertently put on your thoughts that may make you see your world more negatively than it actually is. Cognitive distortions are the foundation for negative thinking.
One way of challenging these negative thoughts is to focus on the evidence rather than the thought itself.
For example, if you tend to think that nobody likes you at work, you can stop yourself for a minute and ask yourself, “what evidence do I really have that this is a fact?” Then, try to start gathering information. You might find out that your thought isn’t accurate or that it doesn’t apply to all scenarios.
Often, your mood may be a result of the things you think. If you change the way you think, you may see a change in the way you feel. The more you challenge negative thinking, the more you can improve your life.
Thayer also suggests taking a different and more positive stance whenever you’re saying negative things to yourself.
“When things aren’t going right, ask yourself ‘Could things be worse?’ or ‘Is there anything I can take out of this that can be a benefit to me?'” adds Thayer. “More often than not, there’s a positive aspect to things that happen, even those that feel negative.”
7. Getting your 8 to 9 hours of sleep
If you’re thinking about how to improve your life right now, sleep hygiene should be top on your list of things to do.
Sleeping well has a direct effect on your mood, ability to think, and your energy levels, which are essential to doing the things you want to do.
“It’s easy to steal time from sleep by staying up ‘just a little longer,’ whether it’s to finish the laundry or a TV show,” says clinical psychologist Ari Tuckman, PsyD. “The problem is that the reward is immediate, which makes it hard to resist. But the price is paid tomorrow.”
Tuckman says that neglecting your sleep time, even if for one night, may hamper your ability to:
- solve problems
- focus on tasks
- gather information to make decisions
It can also make you feel more irritable and short tempered. “This gets even worse when several short nights stack up,” he adds.
Try to establish a bedtime routine so you fall asleep around the same time every night. Try to resist the impulse to scroll social media before bedtime, and instead engage in relaxing activities before bed. After a night of adequate sleep, you may notice an improvement in your mood and thinking process right away.
Practicing relaxation techniques can also help you sleep better and feel mentally alert.
8. Participating in physical activity
Moving your body can improve your life, mentally and physically, in a matter of days.
“Regular exercise is an important part of not just physical health, but also mental health,” explains Tuckman. “It’s also one of the first things to go when we get busy.”
Try to incorporate exercise or moving into your daily routine, so no matter how busy you are, you’ll always find a time and space to do it.
Moving can look like:
- dancing around your house
- doing some pool laps
- going to the gym
- using the stairs instead of the elevator
- walking around your neighborhood or preferred area
- doing yoga
- following a YouTube workout video
- walking around your office or home for 5 minutes every hour
Try to have at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day. You may find that you feel more energetic, clear-minded, and optimistic after you exercise.
9.
Practicing gratitudeResearch shows that practicing gratitude improves the way you feel about your life and your overall life quality.
You can become more grateful every day by:
- mentally or physically listing all the things that are positive and healthy in your life
- recognizing the skills and qualities you’ve developed in yourself
- verbally expressing thanks to important people in your life
- ending your day by thinking about the positive things that you experienced today
- starting your day by focusing on the opportunities ahead
Practicing mental subtraction can also boost gratitude in your life. This means realizing the impact events and people have on your life by thinking about what life could be right now if you didn’t have them.
10. Setting an intention
One of the best things for self-improvement is to set an intention for your life, your day, your hour, and everything you do.
One way of setting an intention is to practice visualization and see yourself accomplishing those things you want.
“Positive visualization increases the likelihood of success,” says Joyce Marter, LCPC, a licensed counselor in Chicago. “We largely create our own realities through our thoughts and intentions, so clarify them by writing out your goals and objectives.”
Thayer suggests carving out time to set intentions for every day. “Make it a ritual and part of your daily routine, like in the shower, when driving to work, or drinking your morning coffee,” she said.
Sometimes, it’s possible that despite your best intentions and efforts, you still feel you haven’t improved the way you want or need. This is natural and common.
Consider reaching out to a mental health professional to explore possible reasons you feel this way and how to cope. They can help you develop a self-improvement plan that works for your specific needs.
You can improve your life and yourself starting today. Self-improvement may look different for everyone, so the first step might be to figure out what “improvement” means to you. Is it a different job? A new relationship? A sense of satisfaction?
Other things you can do to improve your life right now include sleeping well, practicing gratitude, moving more, and focusing on the evidence rather than what negative thoughts tell you.
10 tips for a healthy lifestyle
Start a healthy lifestyle with the Rodnik Sanatorium! Find out where and how to start, and how easy it is to achieve the desired result!
A healthy lifestyle is not only correct, but also fashionable today. In this article, we would like to give 10 basic tips for those who want to start a new healthy and happy life. All of them are simple and yet very important. With the help of these recommendations, you can correct your figure, improve your well-being, feel light and free your thoughts.
- Drink more water. Yes, we do forget about clean water. Drink at least a liter a day! And tea, coffee, sweet sodas are not water, moreover. some of these only harm the body. It is also necessary to periodically visit mineral water pump rooms in order to consume water rich in useful minerals. Do not forget to consult a doctor before doing this.
- Proper nutrition. It is necessary not only to get in shape, but also to normalize the general condition of the body. We are what we eat. And this is not just a saying. It is necessary to exclude harmful fast food, fatty, pastries, salty from the diet, as you will feel significant changes in your well-being. In addition to the lightness that comes literally after a few days of proper nutrition, sleep and emotional state will improve.
- Sleep. How much time do you spend sleeping? 4-5 hours? This is not enough for the body to recover. Of course, fatigue and irritability cannot be eliminated until the sleep time is adjusted. We also recommend replacing the TV with a book. And, of course, do not skimp on a good mattress and pillow.
-
Active lifestyle. It is absolutely not necessary to run to the fitness room to lift iron. It is enough to run a couple of kilometers in the evening before going to bed or do your favorite dances. This will not only tighten the muscles, but also give you a great mood. Classes at home are also welcome, moreover, just go to the Internet and find suitable video instructions there. But one of the most pleasant and useful ways we consider yoga or gymnastics in the open air, for example, on the beach of Anapa. All resorts here have their own clean protected beach.
-
Rest in a sanatorium. It is most pleasant to spend your holidays by the sea, so we recommend combining business with pleasure. The best resorts in Anapa offer a variety of treatments based on natural ingredients, such as mud baths or swimming in indoor pools in Anapa filled with mineral hydrogen sulfide water. Each procedure, of course, is prescribed by a doctor, but many of them are intended not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of diseases. Among other things, simply being in a favorable climate will bring incredible benefits.
-
Refusal of bad habits. A very important item that speaks for itself. And most importantly, remember that your bad habits harm not only you, but also your loved ones, especially children. Think about what a step forward for them and for yourself you will make by giving up smoking, alcohol and other things. It is not always easy to do this, so psychologists help in this case.
-
Outdoor walks. What does everyday life consist of? Home, transport, work, transport, house. And if the work is sedentary, then it is absolutely no good. But nothing prevents you from taking a walk in the evening. Yes, even around the house with a dog. Or in the park with friends, loved ones or children. All this is to our advantage.
-
Love yourself. Complexity has never helped anyone in life. Accept yourself for who you are, and then start working on improving your already good self. Believe me, this is how people will reach out, and love will meet, and success at work will begin. If you still can’t cope with the problem yourself, be sure to contact a psychologist. It will definitely help you find the path to a happy life without complexes and sadness.
-
Communication with people. This is, of course, about positive communication, which can bring pleasure. So, an evening spent with friends can energize you for the whole week. And do not forget about non-verbal communication: touching, hugging, shaking hands. All this is very useful for our emotional and physical state, so prefer to communicate in the social. networks - live communication.
-
Breathing. It would seem that there is such a thing... And this is really important. Having mastered the technique of diaphragmatic breathing, you can do a lot: control your psycho-emotional state, be able to calm down in a stressful situation, slow down aging, get rid of acne and much more. Unfortunately, we sometimes “forget” to breathe altogether! Yes, yes, for example, when we are highly concentrated. And the brain needs oxygen at this time.
Don't be lazy! Work on yourself and feel how your life changes!
Fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle — OGBUZ "Yartsev Central District Hospital"
Healthy lifestyle is a person's behavior and habits that help him maintain and improve his health. Taking care of physical and mental health, a person is able to prevent various diseases, better cope with problems, stress and enjoy life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for every person, as it ensures good health and longevity. Find out how this choice will affect your life
Why is it important to lead a healthy lifestyle?
Many state and public organizations actively promote a healthy lifestyle, noting and proving its benefits based on the study of critical health indicators, including weight, glucose, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure.
People who lead a healthy lifestyle are much less at risk of developing diseases and are less likely to die prematurely from cancer or cardiovascular disease than people with bad habits.
A 2012 analysis of 15 international studies involving more than 500,000 participants found that more than half of people's premature deaths were caused by unhealthy lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. To protect the body from the influence of negative factors, it is necessary to study the elements of a healthy lifestyle that lead to good health and longevity.
What does a healthy lifestyle consist of?
A healthy lifestyle includes a person's physical health and emotional (or mental) health, which function well together. As the saying goes: "A healthy mind in a healthy body" . The main components of a healthy lifestyle include:
- Absence of bad habits. Getting rid of bad habits is the first and most important thing a person can do for their health and increase life expectancy. For example, smoking causes great harm to health, increasing the risk of developing cancer of the lungs, kidneys, esophagus and other diseases. According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States, tobacco smoking is the most common cause of premature death. It takes about 15 years without smoking for smokers to reach "normal" levels of heart disease risk. Therefore, it is better to quit smoking right now and avoid passive smoking.
- Proper nutrition. Eating a healthy diet is another important part of a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition involves the consumption of healthy foods (raw foods, fiber, nuts, whole grains, unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, low-fat dairy products), as well as limiting the amount of fat, salt, sugar consumed. The main part of the diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, as fruits contain many vitamins and minerals. Consuming healthy food strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of developing many diseases, and helps in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and diabetes.
- Physical activity. Physical exercise is a major contributor to a healthy lifestyle, as movement - is the key to a successful life. 30 minutes of daily exercise not only improves body shape, but also helps prevent coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and musculoskeletal disorders by building muscle and increasing bone strength. Exercising also stimulates the production of happy hormones “endorphins”, which relieves stress, reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, raises self-esteem, improves mood and overall mental health.
- Weight control. The correct weight for each person depends on factors such as gender, height, age and genes. A healthy body weight, defined as a normal body mass index (BMI), should be between 18.5 and 24.9. Being overweight increases the risk of a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a 5-10% reduction in total body weight can help normalize cholesterol, blood sugar, and lower blood pressure. Control weight gain, and obese people - to lose extra pounds, regular exercise helps.
- Stress management. How a person feels physically has a great influence on his state of mind. Similarly, physical health and energy levels deteriorate when stressed. Therefore, it is important to relax after emotional stress in an effective way (exercise, sleep, walk) in order to prevent depression, anxiety. Studies have shown that people who take time to relax are more resilient to stressful situations.
- Rest, healthy sleep. To maintain efficiency and performance, the body needs proper rest and healthy sleep. Sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue can lead to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Prolonged lack of sleep reduces immunity and the body's ability to resist colds and flu. A person needs 7-9 hours for proper sleep. Physical activity also contributes to healthy sleep. Just 10 minutes of aerobic exercise (walking, cycling, walking in the fresh air) significantly improves the quality of sleep.
Scientists have found that one component of a healthy lifestyle is already increasing people's life expectancy by 2 years. Therefore, the more healthy habits people have, the longer they live.
Where to start?
Health is influenced by many factors. Some of these you can't control, including genetics or age. But you can make changes to your lifestyle to improve your health and prolong your life. Start with the following steps:
- Enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. For motivation, imagine the desired result from a healthy lifestyle, including an improvement in appearance, internal condition. These positive changes should encourage you to get on the right path.
- Make a plan of action. In maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consistency is crucial, so it is necessary to build a pattern of behavior over a long period. For example, make a daily routine and try to stick to it constantly.
- Get rid of everything that negatively affects your physical and mental well-being . Quitting bad habits is difficult because many of them are addictive. But if this is not done, your efforts and successes in other areas of healthy eating may be in vain.
- Replace bad habits with good ones. Useful actions, as well as harmful ones, with regular repetition also become a habit. If you accustom the body to the right food, you are unlikely to have a desire to eat fast food, knowing all the shortcomings of this food.
It's never too late to start a healthy lifestyle. But the more experience you have in this, the greater the effect. Therefore, start right now so that you don’t regret later that you didn’t do it earlier.
Helpful tips
A healthy lifestyle includes a whole range of activities that are individual for each person. A number of actions necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle varies depending on the characteristics of the lifestyle (presence of bad habits, type of activity, amount of free time). But based on the main components of a healthy lifestyle, we can highlight the main tips:
- Eat healthy. Eat healthy foods. The World Health Organization recommends eating fruits and vegetables as a regular part of the diet to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. They are high in nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants) that help boost the immune system and fight disease-causing toxins. For a healthy diet, cut back on sugar, cut down on salt, increase your protein intake, swap out saturated fats for unsaturated fats, and favor complex carbs over simple ones.
- Drink water. The human body is 55-78% water. The natural liquid has the properties of moisturizing, nourishing and improving well-being. Water detoxifies the body, improves brain function, nourishes muscles, controls weight gain, and balances temperature. A person is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
- Be physically active. Physical activity is good for everyone. You can start training at any age with the help of different types of exercises (walking, running, swimming, dancing, aerobics, yoga). The American Heart Association recommends exercising for at least 2.5 hours a week.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure. Avoid sun exposure by wearing hats, skin protection sunscreen. By protecting your face and body from sun exposure, you can help prevent melanoma and other skin cancers, and keep you looking young by preventing wrinkles.
- Get pleasant emotions. Mental health is the basis of the general condition of the body and a necessary condition for enjoying life. Find sources of good emotions, inspiration and refer to them regularly. A positive effect on the state of mind is the recognition of one's own achievements, doing what one loves, communicating with loved ones, walking with pets, and so on.
- Don't overdo it . Create a regimen for yourself in which it will be comfortable to lead a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. Do not overdo it with physical activity and dietary restrictions.
Learn more