Living a healthy lifestyle is built on habits like eating well, staying at a healthy weight, exercising, taking care of your mental health, and getting regular checkups. Even small, daily steps can make a big difference.
Here are some simple tips to support your health. You don’t have to do them all perfectly, but try to fit them into your daily routine.
- Morning stretch: Before getting out of bed, stretch your body to wake up, improve blood flow, and relax. While lying down, flex and relax your legs, raise them, and move your feet around. Sit up, turn your head left and right, and roll your shoulders. Move your wrists and hands to finish.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps with digestion, brain function, and energy. Drink a large glass of water when you wake up and with every meal.
- Floss daily: Flossing keeps your teeth healthy. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, curve it around each tooth, and move it up and down. Avoid sawing motions, as they can harm your gums.
- Use sunscreen: Protect your skin by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 after washing your face in the morning. Cover your face, neck, ears, and any thinning hair spots.
- Eat nuts: When you’re hungry, snack on unsalted nuts like almonds or walnuts. They are packed with nutrients but eat only a handful, as they are high in calories.
- Take a nap: Short naps of less than 30 minutes in the afternoon can boost your brain and energy. Try not to nap more than four times a week and set a timer so you don’t oversleep.
- Move often: Break long periods of sitting with quick movements. Dance across a room or do air squats or push-ups. Even small movements can help.
- Practice breathing: Try alternate-nostril breathing to reduce stress. Close one nostril and breathe through the other, then switch after a few breaths. This slows your breathing and helps you relax.
- Enjoy a hobby: Hobbies can improve mood and overall health. Start something new, like gardening, crafting, or cooking, using a kit with all the materials and instructions.
- Be social: Connecting with others can reduce loneliness and protect mental health. Make it a habit to talk to someone every day, whether it’s through a phone call, an email, or a casual chat with a neighbor. You can even form a small social group to meet regularly.