Most people want to live long, healthy, and personally fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, there’s not a Fountain of Youth that will magically give you these things. If there was, I bet we would all be waiting in line for a glass of water from that spring. However, there are some things you can do to improve the quality and length of your life.
Get Physical. Physical fitness is a great way to keep yourself healthy and in shape. All you need to do is add 20 minutes of fitness to your day. Try something that is fun for you, whether it is dancing, walking, yoga, or something else entirely.
Milk It. You need calcium in your diet to prevent osteoporosis. Try eating at least one food that contains high levels of natural calcium, such as dairy products, salmon, and leafy greens.
Stay Hydrated. Even if your water isn’t coming from the Fountain of Youth, you still need between six and eight, 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Your body is approximately 70 percent water, so keeping it hydrated is of the utmost importance. Also, drinking plenty of water will remove toxins from your body, which can reduce your chances of premature aging.
Love Your Heart. Heart disease and stroke are the number one killer in the U.S. By eating heart-healthy foods, you will lower your chances of suffering from this disease. Healthy oils, such as mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, can be found in yummy foods like nuts, hummus, and olive oil.
Spring Clean in January. There are probably some unhealthy foods in your pantry, but they don’t have to stay there for long. Identify all of the processed foods that contain additional sugars, salt, trans fats, and other additives and throw them away. Then restock your kitchen with healthier foods, such as fresh produce and lean meats.
Get Some ZZZZ’s. Just because you’re sleeping does not mean you are restoring your energy at the optimum level. How can you improve the quality of your rest? Try limiting the amount of caffeine you consume, especially after 4:00pm. You can also practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation before bed.
Focus. It doesn’t matter how long you live if your mental health isn’t adequate. In addition to working out your body, work out your mind. You can do this by playing thinking games like crosswords and Sudoku, learning a new language, or memorizing lists or works of literature. Eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids is also good for your brain.
Take a Minute to Smell the Roses. We all have at least one thing to be thankful for in our lives. If you focus on the good things in your life, you are more likely to be upbeat and satisfied with your life. Take a few minutes every day to count your blessings.
by Kelsey Murray
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