Are you among the 63% of Americans struggling to stay healthy during the pandemic?
Staying physically and mentally healthy can be a challenge even in the best of times. If you’re struggling to improve your diet or just want to feel better about yourself, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll show you how to stay healthy in four tried-and-true steps. Keep reading!
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Eat Real Food
“You are what you eat” is more than just a catchphrase. Many of the common issues we face as we get older stem from poor dietary habits. Common issues caused by poor eating habits can result in poor oral health, so you should visit the orthodontist in Thousand Oaks if you start seeing adverse effects.
Weed out fast food, junk food, and processed food items from your diet. Instead, fill your fridge with fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Swap beer or cocktails for a glass of wine, and avoid sodas and other sugary soft drinks.
Foods labeled as “zero-carb” or “no fat” may sound healthy, but beware. They’re probably loaded with chemicals to make up for the lack of natural taste. Ideally, you should be able to identify and pronounce every ingredient on the label.
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Stay Physically Active
If we sat too much before the pandemic hit (15 hours a day on average), the past year has likely worsened our habits.
Another vital component of staying healthy is getting enough exercise. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s swimming, cycling, or joining a group class at the gym. Even switching from a traditional desk to a standing workstation can make a difference in your health and energy levels.
Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. This could be as simple as a 25-minute walk around your neighborhood each day.
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Get Plenty of Rest
Staying up until 2 AM scrolling through your phone isn’t doing your health any favors. Adopt a “no electronics in the bedroom” policy to make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night to stay physically healthy. This boosts your immune system, helping your body to better fight off disease and inflammation.
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Manage Your Stress Levels
Our discussion wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the need to stay mentally healthy too. We all face stress, but it’s vital to find healthy ways to deal with it.
It’s easy to turn to alcohol, medication, or escapist behavior, but these will harm your health in the long run. Instead, find natural ways to unwind and destress.
Take a long walk, play with your dog, write in a journal, or do some yoga. Spend more time in nature and less time in front of a screen. Adopt healthy habits (like lighting candles or listening to soft music) to help you unwind before bedtime.
How to Stay Healthy: Now You Know
Staying healthy isn’t as simple as taking a pill or signing up at the gym. It requires real lifestyle changes today and every day.
Follow the health tips listed above and you’ll soon be on your way to a happier, healthier you!
Now that you know how to stay healthy, what’s next? Our site has more great health advice and other helpful tips, so keep browsing!
