4 Healthy Habits That Can Easily Fit into Your Routine
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4 Healthy Habits
Everything you do from the moment you wake up till the time you sleep has an impact on your health. Focusing on developing and maintaining healthy habits leads to better mental health, reduces the risk of diseases, and makes you feel happier and active.
Here we explore a few simple healthy habits that can be easily incorporated into your busy daily routine…
Avoid Sugary Drinks
According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, sugary drinks constitute the single largest source of added sugars and calories in an average American diet. These include mainstream sodas, energy drinks, commercially made lemonade, and beverages sold at major coffee outlets. On average a can of your favorite soda contains between 25-40 grams of sugar which in itself is higher than the total amount an adult should consume in a day.
Sugary drinks provide virtually no nutrients or benefits even when consumed along with a healthy diet. A common symptom of consuming sugary drinks is an initial rise in blood sugar levels which makes one feel active and alert. However, these levels quickly dip leading to loss of energy, anxiety, and increased tiredness.
Healthy alternatives to sugary drinks include water, homemade iced tea, milk, and fruit smoothies.
Reduce Salt Consumption
As reported by Reuters, the average daily salt consumption by Americans is 3400 mg, well over the dietary limit of 2300mg. Eating too much salt can cause various health problems in the short and long term such as bloating, increased thirst, fatigue, high blood pressure, increased risk of heart problems, and stroke.
Here are some popular food items which contain high levels of salt:
● Pretzels
● Potato Chips
● Popcorn
● Canned meat, fish, sausages, sardines, caviar, etc
● Frozen/ Ready-to-Eat meals
● Salted Dry Fruits
The popularity of these foods is due to the convenience at which they can be found almost anywhere in an office vending machine, cafes, supermarkets, etc. The best way to regulate your salt intake is to cook at home with fresh ingredients.
Here are some low-salt alternatives to include in your diet:
● Fresh meat, fish, and poultry
● Fruits and Vegetables
● Low sodium cheeses
● Milk and yogurt
● Unsalted pretzels, popcorn, and dry fruits
Tackle Stress Head-On
Work and career are two common causes of stress among individuals.
Working in a stressful environment with poor organization, limited career growth opportunities, and unpleasant co-workers can lead to the following issues:
● Lack of sleep
● Increased mood swings
● Loss of motivation
● Stress and anxiety
The best solution to overcoming these is to make a career change, whether it be to a new company or a new field. To stand out in a competitive job market, it’s advisable to learn skills and earn certifications which are in demand such as Information Technology. Since the pandemic companies have moved operations online and the demand for skills such as programming, data management, and web development have skyrocketed.
Pursuing an online degree will help you save time and money and improve your mental health. As admission applications are online, you will save hundreds of dollars by not having to mail documents. Once enrolled you can study on flexible schedules allowing you to keep earning while you work towards a much-needed career change.
Have a Support System
Having a group of people who you can depend on is important for maintaining good mental health. In addition to work, one faces stress relating to health, finances, and other uncertainties which can get difficult to manage alone. Having a support group provides the needed emotional security and guidance to manage stress, develop strong social bonds, and live a happy life.
Your social group can consist of your family, friends, and co-workers and can be small or large depending on your preference.
Additionally, according to research, socializing with your group provides the following benefits:
● Reduction of chronic stress levels
● Lower feelings of loneliness
● Improved confidence and self-esteem
● Healthy cognitive development
Each small change you make to your routine will have a big positive impact on your health. While this can involve making hard decisions and changing behaviors you are comfortable with, in the long run, you will be rewarded with good health and a higher standard of living.