8 Basic Rules for a Healthy Life

With preventable diseases dramatically on the upswing, healthy living has become a way of life for many people, however, there’s room for more. I mean, I get it... life is chaotic, and it’s hard for people to reduce high-stress levels and stay fit. It’s even more difficult to reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Considering this, take steps to make healthy decisions every day.

Honestly, if you’re skipping meals, missing out on sleep, and drinking too much, you’re setting yourself up for some not so pretty consequences. You know what you put into your body and how often you exercise affects your health, along with whether you smoke. These are habits that help determine your life expectancy. Let’s face it: if you’re not living a healthy lifestyle, then how do you expect to raise your quality of life? Keep reading to learn which health rules to live by.

1. Quit Bad Habits

Why are bad habits the ones we have the toughest time quitting? The thing about bad habits is they are not your friends. They prevent people from living healthy longer and being their very best. Bad habits such as smoking, drugs, drinking too much, eating too much, only increase the odds of suffering from a disabling illness later in life. If you have a bad habit, it’s time you turn them in for healthy lifestyle habits.

2. Get Your Sleep

When you don’t get enough shut-eye, research shows, it makes you vulnerable to diseases and illnesses. In fact, it diminishes your immune system. Most men and women need at least six hours of sleep each night, but eight is best. When you don’t get adequate sleep, you can experience sleep deprivation. To help, try following a sleep schedule and exercising before going to bed, maybe even a glass of wine.

3. Exercise Regularly

How to be healthy? Healthcare professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. No, a gym membership is unnecessary, but a workout routine would be helpful in meeting any goals. Not only will exercise improve physical health, but it also improves mental health, too.

4. Yearly Checkup

Too often women die from cervical cancer because they do not come in early. All women should schedule an appointment once a year for their pap smears, plus do monthly breast exams. Women 40 and over should schedule a yearly mammogram. Do the monthly exam and go see the doctor if you suspect anything. Better safe than sorry.

5. Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning beds may sound like the perfect alternative to the sun, however, they’re not. People who visit tanning salons are more likely to develop wrinkles and skin cancer than the individuals who tan naturally. Observe alternative ways to tan and learn how to keep it all winter long.

6. Drink Green Tea

Green tea is just better for you than coffee or caffeine drinks. It has antioxidants in it that are good for you and it helps dieters lose weight. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is easy when you can drink herbal teas and eat healthy food that tastes good.

7. Drink More Water

How to achieve optimal health? Professionals recommend eight glasses a day. Water is vital to the human body. In fact, you can’t live without it longer than three days. Water supports every organ in the body, yet, people don’t drink nearly enough of the nutrient. When we meet the requirements, we feel and look better. Water flushes our bodies so we get rid of toxins, promotes energy and brain function. So the next time your co-worker has more than her share of blonde moments, give her water.

8. Have a Bite of Chocolate

Who else was in shock when the doctors said chocolate was healthy food? I sure was. Only, you can’t go overboard with it. If you’re on a diet, the key is not to starve yourself of the foods you love, but serve them as a reward because you ate healthy all week long. Look at you—eating your way to a healthy life.