These days, we are arguably more concerned about our health than ever before, but there’s so much information out there that it can be hard to know which advice is the best to follow. Therefore, you’ll be glad to hear that there are a few simple tips you can stick to that will go a long way towards keeping your mind and body healthy. Here are three of them.
Eat a balanced diet
Everybody has heard of the old adage that you are what you eat, and you hear a lot of conflicting opinions about exactly what it is you should be eating. The good news is that you don’t have to follow a strict system such as paleo or keto in order to be healthy. All you need to do is eat a balanced diet. That means plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and legumes. Remember that if you’re concerned about getting all the vitamins and minerals you need, you can always take magnesium supplements or other tablets to compensate for what you might be missing. Be sure to moderate your calorie intake, and try to avoid eating too much salt, sugar and saturated fat. When it comes to fluids, you should be drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, and cutting down on alcohol and sodas.
Stay active
Exercise is crucial for both our physical and mental health, and we should all strive to be active. The general recommendation is to aim for 150 minutes of exercise a week, ideally including a mixture of cardiovascular and strength training. Don’t worry if you hate the gym though, as anything from yoga and dance to hiking and climbing counts. It’s not just about losing weight or maintaining your current figure though – exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of a whole host of health conditions such as heart disease and cancer, as well as mental health conditions such as depression. It’s also linked to longer life expectancy, better memory and learning abilities, clearer skin, boosted mood and much more. So there is no excuse not to get moving!
Practice self-care
It’s not all about the body – the mind is also vital for good health. Stress can be very harmful to our body and our mental state, so practicing self-care is important. Mindfulness activities such as meditation and breathing exercises can be helpful, as well as walking in nature – whatever enables you to feel grounded and relaxed. Another option that can make a big difference is finding a hobby that you love, and making sure you dedicate some time to it every week. This could be anything from reading or watching movies to playing a musical instrument or learning a language. The point is that should you enjoy it and find it inspiring. Finally, be sure to spend plenty of time with friends and family, too. Humans are social creatures, and meaningful connections with others are crucial for living a long and happy life
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