OK so why am I on this treadmill of getting to become a healthier me? We all know that healthy habits make sense, but did you ever stop to think why we practice them? Research shows that the impact of good health on your quality of life is far-reaching, regardless of your age, sex, or physical ability. Check out these five qualities that good health promotes.
It controls our weight … duh, I think that is why many of us started, isn’t it? Eating right and exercising regularly can help you avoid excess weight gain and maintain a healthy weight, or in many of our cases, lose some excess weight. You can obtain benefits of exercise by being active in simple ways throughout the day. For example, walk instead of driving or take the stairs instead of the escalators or lift. So for me I aim to do a brisk walk twenty minutes a day, seven days a week. I actually aim to walk an hour a day, five days a week.
Improves Mood … It is a cyclical thing; you start to look a little bit better so you start to feel better about yourself, you start to feel better about yourself so you start to look better in yourself. Doing right by your body pays off for your mind as well. Physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that often leave you feeling both happier and more relaxed. Eating a healthy diet as well as exercising can lead to a better physique, so you may also feel better about your appearance, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Another healthy habit that leads to better mental health is making social connections too; whether it's volunteering, joining a club, or attending a movie, communal activities help improve mood and mental functioning by keeping the mind active.
Combats Diseases … Healthy habits can help prevent certain health conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—by helping to keep certain levels in your body within their targets, such as cholesterol and blood pressure. This combination keeps your blood flowing smoothly, decreasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity and proper diet can help you prevent or manage a wide range of other health problems, including diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, and arthritis.
Boosts Energy … Most of us have experienced that lethargic feeling we get after eating too much unhealthy food. When you eat a balanced diet including whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and fruits and vegetables, your body has the fuel that it needs to manage your energy level. Add to this regular physical exercise it also improves muscle strength and boosts endurance, giving you more energy. Exercise helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and gets your cardiovascular system working more efficiently so that you have more energy to go about your daily activities. It also helps boost energy by promoting better sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and deepening your sleep.
Improves Longevity … And is if that is not enough it means your family have to suffer you longer. Study after study has shown that those who walked just 30 minutes each day significantly reduced their chances of dying prematurely, compared with those who exercised infrequently. Looking forward to more time with loved ones is reason enough to keep walking.
So not just listen to me babble on though, put your hand where your heart is and feel it thumping against your chest. It means you are still alive. Whilst that still works you still have an opportunity to change your life into something that you want it to be, and if you do not want to do it for yourself, chose a loved one in your life and do it for them. Believe me however, you are worth fighting for.
Good luck this week.
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