Turning Bad Habits Into Good Habits
By Rachel Shouse
It's easy to walk into a bad habit. Whether it's sedentariness, smoking, poor eating, etc., many people can relate and understand. While it's easier to get into a bad habit, it's not as easy to change. Sometimes a little perspective and knowledge can help you see how important these areas are. Changing your diet, getting adequate exercise, and getting enough sleep are all key to promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Changing Your Diet
You're far from alone if you struggle with eating either too much food or junk food. One simple way to fix this is by setting small goals. One goal you could set for yourself is a daily goal of only eating a certain number of calories. Another goal could be a weekly goal of meal prepping and planning. Setting small goes helps you achieve small rewards. Accomplishing goals provides a lot of much needed motivation.
Get Plenty of Exercise
Doctors recommend that you get 3-5 hours of exercise per week. You can surely do more as you progress as long as you're not feeling pain or discomfort. Some is to be expected, but not to the point where it hinders you from doing everyday tasks.
Whether you decide to work out at home or in a gym, be sure to target multiple areas. You're not limited to cardio only. If you can, lift weights as well. Muscle uses more calories than fat so be sure to include even some light weight exercises to your regimen.
Sleep is Key
Sleep tends to be the most frequently sacrificed part of anyone's day. It can be seen as unnecessary. When that's quite the contrary. Sleep helps your body recharge and get ready for the next day. Only getting half as much sleep as you should hits more than just your energy levels. It has an impact on your brain as well.
Lack of sleep can decrease your body's ability to function properly. This happens because your brain needs sleep in order for your chemicals to remain balanced and rebalance. If you are sleep-deprived, you could fall asleep with your eyes open and have no memory of it. They're called micro-naps and they can be really dangerous depending on what you're doing.
While staying up late every once in a while is perfectly fine, everyone loves a movie night, it shouldn't be a habit. Just like having a treat on occasion is OK, but it's not something that should be a regular event. You have to take good care of yourself in order for your body and mind to be able to function at its best.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tempe, Ariz.