Want to be more health conscious? You can start improving your overall well-being with small, purposeful changes that will quickly turn into meaningful habits for healthy living. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Plan your meals– and don’t skip any!
Skipping a meal here or there may not seem like a big deal, but your eating habits have a lot to do with how you feel and can have long reaching effects on your health. Breakfast is especially important, as it fuels your body for the day ahead, so if you were to ever skip a meal, don’t let it be breakfast! Better yet, plan your meals so you can shop smarter at the grocery store, have less food waste, curb impulse fast food, and take out orders. Eating whole foods like lean meats, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds (some of the best foods for gut health and overall wellness) is a great place to start.
2. Opt for water.
Everyone knows to drink more water, yet it can still be difficult to put into practice. Set a timer on your phone to periodically remind yourself to take a “water break” and add fruit such as lemon, lime, or even mint to add subtle flavor. While you don’t have to cut out all soda, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages, it’s important to opt for water the majority of the time to ensure your body stays hydrated.
3. Walk for 30 minutes a day.
One of the best habits for healthy living that nearly anyone can do is to walk. Daily exercise is critical for maintaining your muscles and bones, supporting your heart health and immune system, and so much more. Aim for 30 minutes at least 5 times a day, even better if you can go outside and breathe in the fresh air!
4. Take a screen break.
Give your eyes a rest from the harsh blue light of your electronic devices! Not only will your eyes thank you, but so will your mind. You’ll be surprised at how rejuvenated you feel after logging off of social media and news outlets. The constant stream of information not only raises stress levels but can also aggravate feelings of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression.
5. Wear SPF every day.
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US, so protecting your skin health is crucial and requires a simple daily habit– wearing sunscreen! Even on cloudy days and in the winter, you should wear at least 30 water-resistant SPF. Here are some other skin protection tips:
- Wear a hat that covers your ears.
- Look for clothing with UV protection factor (UPV) labels.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
- Stay in the shade when possible.
- Remember the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you are, then UV exposure is high!
6. Prioritize high-quality sleep.
Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night in order for the body to restore and repair, allowing you to feel ready to go the next morning. Hormones, stress, eating too much before bed, and more can cause insomnia and fitful sleep, and a sleep support supplement such as Melatonin could be a helpful tool in promoting restful sleep.
These are just a few ways you can form some long-term habits for healthy living! Want to stay up to date with the latest wellness tips and pharmacy news? Check out our health blog, and let us know is anything you would like to know more about.
