5 Keys to Living a Longer and Healthier Life 

Magrie Bloom shared with Healthy Lombard that recent world events have reminded all of us that life is both fragile and precious. We’ve heard a lot about avoiding illness, but striving for health seems to have fallen by the wayside. The tips below can be great reminders of what you need to stay healthier.

1.   Drink More Water

Change your habits each day to increase your water intake. This may include quitting alcohol, cutting back on soda, or reducing your caffeine intake. Dehydration is tough on every aspect of your body.

A dehydrated body is more prone to

• constipation
• kidney stones
• sore joints
• confusion and brain fog

If you’re struggling to get your gut to behave a bit better or are constantly plagued by dry skin, treat yourself to a sizable water bottle and strive to empty it at least once a day. Drink water with your meals instead of soda, coffee, or alcohol. When you’re ready for a snack, skip the chips and eat grapes or berries to increase your fluid intake.

2.   Eat More Vegetables

Take a hard look at your meal planning before you grocery shop and at your plate before you sit down to eat. Is it half vegetables, and are the majority of those veggies raw?

A diet loaded with raw veggies provides more than fiber, though fiber is critically important. Broccoli gives you protection against the formation of many cancers thanks to isothiocyanates and indoles that inhibit the growth patterns of invasive cells.

If you’re worried about wrinkles, boost your intake of leafy greens and avocado. Cabbage is a great addition to your plate if the lettuce isn’t your favorite. A plate full of raw veggies on your plate is an excellent way to protect your body from the inside out.

3.   Move Your Body

For those who’ve been working from home, it’s easy to spend a day in your desk chair and then move directly to the sofa. Use a timer to remind you to get up, move around, stretch, or walk the dog. If you spend your day chasing children or moving in one way for your job, treat yourself to another form of motion during these breaks. Do some tai chi, grab a small set of weights and do some presses, or do 10 jumping jacks.

If you live alone, try to call a friend during these motion breaks. If you live with others, try to find a little time to be alone every day. As you move your body, clear your head.

4.   Focus on Small Changes

These changes don’t have to be radical or life-changing. Small changes, such as swapping out your afternoon soda for a green tea or sparkling water, will only take a few weeks for you to recognize that you do, in fact, have more consistent energy without the sugar and the caffeine.

Do make sure you reward yourself as you build these patterns. If you get through a whole week without that afternoon sugary soda, treat yourself to something you enjoy owning and using. That reward can be anything from a new video game to a new scented candle. Keep this reward in your mind and focus on it when your taste buds start asking for your standard soda choice.

5.   Turn Away from Stress

There are a lot of stressful things going on in the world right now. Take care to monitor your intake of unnecessary stressors. Now is a good time to watch feel-good movies, to focus on “use what you have” crafts and decorating projects, and feather your nest with exactly what you enjoy.

There are an awful lot of “shoulds” that fall on us. If you love to watch shows about updating your home, go for it! However, if they just make you feel broke or disappointed, turn off the television. Whenever possible, engage in some gratitude practices with loved ones or own your that will help you celebrate what you have right now.

If you are tired of your home, go ahead and declutter, so you have space to rearrange. If you adore the things in your home, enjoy the space as it is! Before you invest in a trend, consider whether it will improve your life or add to your stress. If you do choose to declutter, try to donate effectively to help others.

Author:

Maggie graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations.

The main graphics is from:  https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-woman-in-pink-shirt-1199590/