7 Steps to Healthier Living

October 19, 2009 by noreen
Filed under Featured, Inspired Living

An Apple a day, keeps the doctor away? That’s so yesterday! Here are 7 science backed, bonafide steps that promise to boost brain power, nick your chances of heart disease and make your skin glow. Introduce these 7 steps in your lifestyle today and say hello to a new lease on a better, healthier life.

1. CHOOSE FISH

It was once noticed that Latino seniors used hospitals less, yet live longer and die less of heart diseases, cancer or stroke. How come? It’s believed that their diet, which includes a lot of fish may be the answer. You see, fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which help produce blood platelets and reduce inflammation. Three grams a day can reduce risk of a heart attack by 50%, lower your triglycerides, tackle less-than-perfect cholesterol score, ease pain from arthritis, help prevent cancer, super-charge the brain and make your skin glowing and wrinkle-free. Studies have shown that women who took fish oil when pregnant or lactating boosted their children’s IQ. Include fish such as salmon, mackerel or halibut into your daily diet or else take non-contaminating fish oil supplements.

2. BEND YOUR BRAIN

Healthy Living Tips- Brain Teasers

Playing some mind games could make you smarter, healthier and add a few candles to your birthday cake, say experts. Keeping your mind stimulated boosts memory and brainpower while slashing your risk f developing dementia nearly by half according to a study conducted at the University of New South Wales, Australia. Pick up a book of brain teasers, try to memorize phone numbers, mentally tally tge cost of your groceries as you put it into your shopping cart, or play trivial pursuit with family or friends…anything that challenges your brain will help keep it in prime condition.

3. MEDITATE

Odds, are you already know about the calming effects of meditation, but did you know- A daily dose of ‘Om’ and calming yoga can significantly improve your health. A study of 2,000 seniors found that those who did relaxation exercised daily had 87% fewer heart attacks than is normal for their age group, 55% fewer cancerous tumors and 87% fewer nervous disorders. According to experts, meditation reduces stress by many levels and lowers blood pressure. Consequently, you live a calmer life which allows you to feel healthier and look younger. So don that comfortable yoga apparel and fit atleast a 10-15 minutes of silent meditation time into your daily routine where by you sit in a comfy position and focus on nothing but your breathing.

4. CATCH SOME ZZZs

Been burning the midnight oil many days in a row? Bad idea! Skimping on the zzzs and not getting enough sleep messes with your body’s repair mechanisms, not allowing them to repair any damage and release growth hormones that aid in cell turnover that keeps you looking young and feeling fresh. Sleep deprivation pr lack of sleep puts you at a greater risk for obesity, depression, sallow skin, dark circles and heart problems. Catch a good 7-8 hours of sleep every night to function the best.

5. GO GREEN

Green Tea that is! It’s soothing, tastes great and is packed with good-for-you antioxidants. It was found that green tea gulpers, who drank more than five cups of the stuff a day, had a 26% lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, compared to those who drank less than one cup a day. A daily cup of Green tea has been found to erase some of the negative effects of ageing (thanks to the antioxidants in the brew) which means you’ll look younger for longer. All of these benefits have been found to be stronger in women, which is one more reason to go put that kettle on and get brewing.

6. KEEP MOVING

Taking a walk, dancing, working in the garden…in short being active are must dos for everyone. The benefits are endless! Physical activity in the form of exercise, yoga, jogging, aerobics and so on benefits your mood, promotes self-efficacy and lowers chances of developing heart and blood pressure problems. Six months of regular aerobic exercises reverses the loss of brain tissue that occurs with age. An those who don’t walk take twice as many sick days as compared to those who walk briskly everyday. Exercise sweeps white blood cells (key immune system components that are stuck on blood vessel walls) back into circulation. So move that behind! Take the opportunity to scope some great workout clothes and work up to the standard recommendation of 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

7. BE OPTIMISTIC

It turns out, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is more than just a classic sing-along. Positivity is a BIG plus health-wise. Studies have found that ‘negative’ brain activity results in a weakened immune system and pessimists were reported to have poorer physical as well as medical functioning. Try looking at the glass half full for a change. Consciously battle your inner critic and replace negative thoughts with a feel-good thought. It may take time to re-train your inner critic, but soon your optimistic self will shine and life will start looking and feeling a lot better.

* Images Credit: Photos by (from top -bottom) adactio, Betsssssy, longtrekhome, neilbetter, knittinging, adria.richards, Only Sequelon flickr