September arrives, and with it, the return to routine, and in many cases, the return to good resolutions. It is common to set challenges and goals before Christmas to compensate for the summer excesses and prepare for what will come with the holidays. However, opting for radical options that take us from one extreme to another is not advisable, as it subjects our body to constant ups and downs that can pose a risk to health.
Choosing a healthy lifestyle is not as impossible as we have sometimes been led to believe. It involves incorporating a series of habits into our daily lives that will improve our quality of life and reduce the risk of disease. Do you want to know some of them and start putting them into practice?
Walk 8,000 steps daily
Exercise is a key factor in maintaining a healthy pace, as it strengthens bones, the heart, and the lungs, tones muscles, relieves depression, and helps with sleep. Including physical activity in our routine is fundamental, as it not only keeps us more vital but also contributes to speeding up our metabolism. When starting exercise, set realistic goals that allow you to gradually incorporate it into your daily life. Start by walking 8,000 steps a day, reduce the use of the car, choose the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Make small changes in your routine that allow you to leave behind a sedentary life and help you get started with exercise.
5 Healthy meals a day
Miracle diets have shown their yo-yo effect over the years, in addition to being an unnecessary sacrifice and a health risk for those who follow them. A balanced diet is one that includes all essential nutrients, prioritizing vegetables, fruits, and lean meats over red meats and fatty foods. Prioritizing both the cooking of products and the type of products we use is fundamental in improving our habits without it being a punishment. Also, taking small actions such as choosing fruits and vegetables as snacks, avoiding fried and fatty foods, establishing five daily meals, or starting the day with a good breakfast are changes that will help you achieve a nutritious and healthy diet.
Sleep 8 hours a day
Sleep is a biologically crucial process for the body, as it directly impacts our health. It is a determining factor that affects productivity during the day and the health of the brain, as well as our physical and mental state. And why should we sleep for 8 hours? Because it is the time we need to go through the 4 phases of sleep necessary for our body to recover from the efforts made throughout the day. Sometimes, it is difficult for us to fall asleep, so including small habits in our daily lives can contribute to having immediate and more restful sleep. Among these small habits are the following: always sleeping at the same time; avoiding screens an hour before bedtime; not having a heavy dinner; limiting naps to 20 minutes or avoiding caffeine consumption in the afternoon and evening.
These are some of the small changes we can include in our daily lives to start developing healthier habits and face the routine with a smile.