Healthier Habits for a Healthier You

By Donna Stark

If you want to stay on top of your overall health and wellness, you need to commit to healthy habits. But committing to healthy habits doesn't mean you only do so when you are in the mood. Good health doesn't work like that. What does work, though, is if you establish healthy habits and follow through with them every single day. This means from the moment you wake up in the morning to the second you lie down in bed at night, every decision (or at least the majority of them) should benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health. Sound a bit overwhelming? It can be! But with the tips below and the support from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic, you won't have any trouble at all with reaching your goals.

Diet

Try to avoid as many processed foods as you can. These are the foods that are prepackaged, high in sugar, and low in nutrients, and can range from chips to cereal to granola bars to frozen meals. For healthier substitutions, choose natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Exercise

You don't need a lot to make a huge impact in your life. Just 30 minutes of physical activity every day will do wonders for your body. Go for an early morning walk, join a fitness class with a friend, or ride bike with your children after school. It doesn't matter what you choose to do as long as you are moving!

Breaks

Sitting for extended periods of time at home or at work can take a toll on your body, so be sure to include plenty of breaks during your day. Stand up and stretch, rotate your head from side to side, or go for a short walk. In addition to being good for your body, taking a break is also good for your mental health.

Sleep

Sticking to a consistent sleep routine can make a huge difference in how you feel and how well your days go. Go to bed and set your alarm to wake you up at the same times each day, turn off all electronic devices at least an hour before you want to fall asleep, and keep your room dark, quiet, and cool. You may be surprised by how much balance a good night of sleep can bring to your day.

Follow Through for Great Health

Thinking about the changes you need to make in your life and establishing healthier habits is hard. Maintaining those habits and committing to a lifetime of action is even harder. Until you practice your new habits for a decent amount of time, the road to success can be challenging, so be easy on yourself. Start with baby steps and build your new life one healthy habit at a time.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Vancouver, Wash.