Three Life-Saving Health Habits

by Susan Patterson

Habits can be good or bad, and while a lot of focus is put on habits that ruin your health, it’s important to take a look at what’s good for you as well. Everyone knows that eating right and exercising is part of a responsible lifestyle, but there are specific measures you can take in these areas to increase your chances of a long, healthy life. Take a look like what you should eat, as well as how much and what type of exercise is good for you. A third habit involving your mental and emotional health rounds out these choices to ensure a balanced outlook.

With all the controversy surrounding what you should or shouldn’t eat it’s no surprise that people have given up on trying to find out what food is right for them. From low carb to low fat, there are an abundance of choices when it comes to what and how to eat. If you find hunger to be a problem, try a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia. But one thing cannot be argued (well, maybe by Atkins followers); eating more than five servings of fruit a day or three vegetables can slash your risk of heart disease over 50%. You can easily incorporate your daily vegetables into one meal by adding a salad. As for fruit, add it as a snack during the day, put it in your oatmeal, and even on your ice cream. Don’t be intimidated by the amount. Breaking it up over the course of a day makes it quite simple to get your daily amount.

Get out and walk every day. Don’t worry about grueling workouts at the gym that you’re likely to drop after a couple of months. Walking is the easiest and most affordable exercise around. People who don’t like to exercise find walking a simple way to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. For maximum benefit, try to walk at least 30 minutes each day. Get up early in the morning and take the family dog, or do a few laps around the office building at lunchtime. The goal doesn’t have to be quick weight loss. The National Cancer Institute found that people who exercise for at least 30 minutes daily decrease their risk of dying early by 27%. The US Government also recommends the same amount of time most days of the week for adults, for a total of 2.5 hours weekly. You don’t have to do it all at once, either; do some stair climbs or park further from the office in the morning to easily add walking in your routine.

Call on a friend for support. Staying isolated can keep you unhappy and lead to worse health. Studies show that people who have a strong social network of family and friends are usually in better health, as well as better spirits. It’s important to have a group of people who understands you and knows what’s going on. You don’t have to be a social butterfly if you are naturally introverted, but staying in touch is important to your emotional and mental well-being, and many times your physical health as well. Take time to connect with people who are important to you. Your health depends on it.