When it comes to staying healthy, it seems simple. Get enough exercise, eat lots of leafy greens and generally lead a well-intentioned life. But sometimes you have to look beyond the basics to make sure you really are leading that healthy life you’re after. Whether it’s sneaking that occasional cigarette here and there, forgoing exercise for more time on the couch or skipping the sunscreen when it’s so easy to apply, there’s some easy changes you can make to break those bad health habits that are lingering around. Not sure where to get started? Here are a few tips to make sure you’re living life to the healthiest each and every day.
BAD HEALTH HABITS TO BREAK THIS YEAR
Skip the smokes. Even if you don’t consider yourself a smoker, it’s easy to get caught in that habit of sneaking a smoke here and there. Because you’re not a full-on smoker, you don’t feel like you’re risking your health, but when it comes down to it, the best smoke is none at all. So next time you’re tempted, remind yourself that you really aren’t going to miss that smoke and, in the long run you’re skipping it in the name of your lungs, heart and skin.
Drop the fast food habit. Everyone has that occasional fast food craving – for some reason the worst stuff is the most tempting! But not giving in is half the battle. Processed and fast food is full of all sorts of sneaky ingredients like trans fats, excess salt and all sorts of nasty ingredients that will leave you feeling run down, not to mention frustrated by your expanding waist line. Skipping the fast food and exchanging those cravings with healthy alternatives is actually easier than you think – not to mention you’ll look and feel great too.
Spending all weekend on the couch. When the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming, why spend all your time just laying around on the couch. Getting out there, getting some exercise and filling your lungs with fresh air is one of the best ways to contribute to positive health and feel great while you’re at it. Not to mention, while it might be tough to motivate sometimes, getting some exercise leaves you feeling energized and ready to take on anything that comes your way.
Having a few too many drinks, a few too many days a week. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail here and there, but overindulging in alcohol leaves you feeling lazy, sluggish and packing on the pounds. Turns out drinking too much can really put your health at risk – from liver to heart disease – too much booze can mean trouble sleeping, gaining weight, feeling sluggish and bummed out and a host of other health risks. Why not just limit your intake? Allow yourself one or two drinks during the weekend, but let the rest of your week be free and clear of alcohol.
Skipping the sunscreen. This is probably the easiest bad habit to change really quickly and with immediate positive results. It’s simple: before heading outside for a day of fun in the sun, just slather yourself in sunscreen and throw on a sun hat. Another easy and quick solution – make your daily moisturizer one that’s packed with SPF. You’re moisturizing anyway, right? Get your SPF in without even having to try too hard. You’ll protect your skin and body from being at risk for UV damage and cancer – who wouldn’t want to make this simple change?
Do you find yourself putting your health at risk with bad habits that are actually very easy to change? Can you take these tips and even change just one of these bad habits into something positive for your health and body?
