This year, why not put your health first? Here are 10 healthy habits that are sure to make you feel and look better in 2015!
1.Drink more water.
The Institute of Medicine determined that 13 cups of water for men and 9 cups of water for women is an adequate intake a day. “Water flushes toxins out of vital organs, [and] carries nutrients to your cells” according to the Mayo Clinic.
2.Sleep 8 hours a night.
Lack of sleep can lead to hormonal disturbances including changes in leptin and ghrelin levels. These hormones control appetite. When you get too little sleep your ghrelin levels go up, causing your body to feel hungry.
3.Stay in touch with friends.
Dr. Oscar Ybarra, a professor at the University of Michigan insists that socializing helps keep your mind healthy and active. He states, “Social interaction helps to exercise people’s minds. People reap cognitive benefits from socializing. As people engage socially and mentally with others, they receive relatively immediate cognitive boosts.”
4.Try to eliminate stress from your life.
According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic stress can put you at risk for depression, anxiety, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, and weight gain.
5.Cut back on alcohol.
Not only will it be great for your health, it will also help you save calories!
6.Quit smoking.
Just do it.
7.Get moving.
We all know exercise releases the “feel good” chemicals called endorphins. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a day.
8.Weight Train.
Weight training has shown to increase energy, strengthen bones, and speed up metabolism. In fact, body weight exercises can be just as effective as lifting dumbbells as long as there is some type of resistance.
9.Control restaurant portions
Restaurants often give ridiculously oversized portions. A good way to combat this is to ask for a to-go box right away and place half of your meal in the box so you are not tempted to overeat!
10. Floss your teeth.
Alla Wheeler, RDH, MPA, associate professor for the Dental Hygiene Program at NYU School of Dentistry, says, “Each tooth has five surfaces. If you don’t floss, you are leaving at least two of the surfaces unclean. Floss is the only thing that can really get into that space between the teeth and remove bacteria.”
Article Information Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
http://www.captel.com/news/hearing-loss/staying-social-staying-connected-important/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/still-not-flossing-more-reasons-why-you-should
Picture source:
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/450798/Step-by-step-planner-f…