Keys to a Healthy Lifestyle Over 40
Did you know that there are keys to a healthy
lifestyle? These are ways to not only extend your lifespan, but make your remaining years enjoyable for yourself and those you love.
But what, exactly, does “healthy” mean? The routines and habits that healthy people commit to on a daily basis can vary, but there are five basic keys that form the foundation of every healthy lifestyle.
1. Nutrition
If you are willing to take one small step to improve your health, focus on what you put into your body. This simple change can have a powerful impact on every aspect of your life.
If you currently consume a diet of unhealthy foods, one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle is to make substitutions.
For instance, rather than reach for those sugary treats, substitute fresh fruit and Greek yogurt. Eat lean proteins rather than fatty meats. Eliminate what I call the "white stuff." Instead of white bread, pasta, potatoes or rice, choose 100% whole grains.
2. Exercise & Movement
A well-planned fitness program will include cardio workouts as well as strength training. You don’t have to begin with anything too intense, or start training for a 5K.
Taking regular walks around the block, investing in a set of dumbbells, or doing bodyweight exercises will help you build strength and burn more fat.
It's important to pay attention to your overall daily activity level. Wearable technology for fitness, such as FitBit, is available to gauge your pace and help you to achieve your fitness goals.
Find ways to get up and move. Choose some form of exercise that you enjoy, so that you don’t suffer the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.
3. Hydration
Proper hydration is one of the most important keys to a healthy lifestyle, and ignoring your body's need for water can be life-threatening. Dehydration
will wreak havoc inside your body. It will:
- make exercise uncomfortable, if not dangerous;
- rob you of physical and mental energy;
- make you think that you’re hungry, so you keep eating and eating when what you really need is plenty of water.
Every organ inside your body needs water to function properly, so find ways to make it tolerable even if you don’t like the taste.
4. Efficient, Restorative Sleep
Many people have difficulty falling or staying asleep as they get older, but it’s still important to make sure that you’re receiving the rest your body needs to function properly.
Sleep time is your system’s chance to heal, revive, and energize so that you’re prepared to enjoy another productive day in your life. Setting a routine bedtime and waking time every day will help regulate your sleep so that you have fewer problems getting to sleep.
5. Stress Relief/Control
Life comes with stress. There is no way to avoid it; but, you must find ways to control and relieve it before it starts to take a toll on your body and mind.
Many people choose to relieve stress with exercise; but, you can also get your emotions and frustrations out by journaling. Release all of your negative energy onto the page or computer screen, and then move on with your day.
Other options include yoga, deep breathing, prayer, meditation, or simply planning time to relax with a good book, a bubble bath, or something else that you find relaxing.
Holding the Keys to a Healthy Lifestyle
How many of the keys to a healthy lifestyle have you already implemented in your daily life? Most of us have at least one weak spot, and it’s to your advantage to figure out the areas you need to focus on.
What do you have to lose by taking some form of remedial action? You just may end up with a well-rounded lifestyle that helps your body and mind thrive.
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The content of this website is for informational purposes only and not intended to be taken as a replacement for professional medical advice, care, diagnosis or treatment by a doctor, dietitian, physical therapist, nutritionist or fitness instructor.
DO NOT BEGIN ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM WITHOUT CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR UNDERLYING CONDITIONS THAT MAY PREVENT YOU FROM DOING SO.
