The 5 Most Common Daily Habits for a Healthier Life
Create a Set of Daily Habits
It seems like more and more people are focusing on their health by losing weight, cutting back on foods that aren’t good for them, eating organic fruits and veggies, and exercising. Regardless of your health insurance plan, a study from the University of Minnesota recommends changing your daily habits to promote a healthier lifestyle. But as those who’ve decided to do something to benefit their health can attest, creating a set of daily habits and sticking to them to reach goals can be difficult. If you were to ask a dozen different people which habits they followed to get and stay healthy, they would probably have some in common, including the following.
Five of the Most Shared Daily Habits
Some people don’t know where and how to start getting healthy, so we’ve come up with the five most common daily habits. If you’re game, try these.
1. Get Enough Sleep
If your life is extremely busy or if you have a job that forces you to take work home, getting a steady seven to eight hours of sleep each night can be a challenge. But a lack of rest on a regular basis will eventually take its toll – physically, emotionally and mentally. According to well-being expert Jackie Ruka, “Most Americans are sleep deprived, adding more stress to the body during the day.”
2. Start Your Day with Breakfast
Trying to squeeze in a few extra minutes of sleep will cut into your breakfast time, but experts have said for years that eating breakfast improves one’s focus throughout the day by raising blood sugar, which is important for proper brain function. Breakfast also gets your metabolism going, reduces cravings later in the day, and keeps you in a good mood. You can’t argue with that!
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Next to oxygen, it’s the most basic need that we humans have. But notice that we said “water,” not coffee, alcohol or sugary drinks, such as soda. Experts recommend 64 fluid ounces per day, which equals eight 8-ounce glasses. This may sound like a lot, but remember, it’s for your health, so drink up.
4. Watch What You Eat
Stay away from fast food. Yes, it’s quick, but it’s far from good for you. Eat healthy, whole, non-processed foods as much as possible. Nutritionists stress the importance of including a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, such as chicken, in your daily diet. While you may not be a fan of fruits or vegetables, keep in mind that they’re packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—all of which are vital for a healthy diet.
5. Be Sure to Exercise
Whether you belong to a gym or have what you need at home, if you want to be healthy, find time to exercise on a daily basis. Even if all you do is walk around the block, hike a mile or two or take your dog for a run, physical activity can help you control your weight and aid in the prevention of major health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Plus, exercising can prevent or reduce the effects of anxiety and depression. Keep moving.
The better you take care of yourself, the less likely you’ll be to camp out at your doctor’s office every few weeks. Still, federal law requires you to have health insurance, or you’ll be penalized for not having it. If you don’t currently have coverage, getting a free health insurance quote online is easy. With all of the health insurance companies in California, you’re sure to find a plan that’s right for you.
