There are tons of good habits that one can inculcate to improve their physical and mental health. In this article, you’ll discover 9 habits that are especially crucial.
Millions of people have ‘lost touch’ with these habits because of the hectic pace of life nowadays, and the advent of technology and social media. Times have changed, but our bodies have not evolved to handle stresses we place upon it.
We’ve reached a stage where what would have seemed to be insanity in the past, is the norm now. This probably explains why more people than ever are physically and mentally unwell.
Let’s look at the habits.
1. Have a Fixed Sleep Schedule
Work consumes our lives and bringing your work home and working into the wee hours of the night has become a way of life for millions. If they’re not working, they’re trying to burn the candles at both ends by getting their fix of social media or binge watching TV shows.
There is a fear of missing out, and it has reached a stage there’s even an acronym for it – FOMO. One of the best habits you can have is to go to bed at the same time daily and wake up at the same time. Once you ingrain this habit in your life, you’ll look and feel much better, rather than feeling drained and stretched thin.
2. Reduce Your Sugar and Salt Intake
Sugar and salt cause a plethora of health problems when consumed in excess. The high fructose corn syrup in processed foods lead to obesity and excess salt in your food will cause hypertension.
Avoid artificial sweeteners too. Just by reducing your intake of these two ingredients, your health will improve by leaps and bounds.
3. Stretch Daily
Sitting at a desk for hours a day in a kyphotic position will cause muscle tension and stress. Practice stretching your body for 15 to 20 minutes a day. If you do yoga, that’s an excellent way to become limber.
Initially, it will seem like a struggle. But as the days go by, you’ll ease into it and feel your muscles relax and your body will have a sense of lightness.
4. Engage In Resistance Training 3X a Week
Bodyweight training or working out with weights is a wonderful way to strengthen your muscles. Resistance training prevents osteoporosis, muscle atrophy and has been shown to have anti-aging effects.
This form of exercise is too important to skip on.
5. Take Time To De-Stress
Spending time in meditation or just relaxing and doing something fun will help to ease pent up stress. Sometimes, life can feel like a pressure cooker that forces you to keep going like the Energizer bunny.
This constant stress can cause you to become irritable and depressed. Taking time to rest your mind and soul will help you stay sane.
6. Consume Good Supplements
Clean eating is great, but supplements such as vitamin C, fish oil, greens powder, magnesium, garlic oil, ashwagandha, vitamin D, etc. are extremely useful for boosting your immunity and warding off nasty diseases.
7. Limit Your Time on Social Media
Two decades ago, there was no social media and people were not glued to their phone screens. Social media has made the world a smaller place, but it has also made it a nastier one.
Every single day, tons of people get on the popular social media platforms and post negative comments and argue with each other over current events, news, etc. All this pointless vitriol has no benefit and will sap your energy. Try not to spend more than 30 minutes a day on social media. Ideally, you should just use it 2 or 3 times a week, if you are too emotionally involved in it.
8. Practice Gratitude
Like Aesop said, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” Spend a few minutes a day being thankful for what you have. The attitude of gratitude will instantly lift your mood and your vibration. It’s impossible to be dissatisfied and grateful at the same time.
9. Spend Time In Solitude
Music is the space between the notes. Even if you have a family, taking some time to be by yourself daily will do wonders for your soul.
A quiet hour spent alone in meditation or reading will help to calm your mind and senses. Give yourself time to retreat and be alone.
“Silence and solitude are the soul’s best friends.” – Henry Wordsworth Longfellow
These 9 tips are just the tip of the iceberg, but they’re a good start. Set them in motion today and in time to come, you’ll master them and your mental and physical health will improve remarkably.