Being fitter is a dream we all have. But when it comes to actually working towards that dream, we tend to – uh – not work on it! After all, it does seem like a lot of time and effort, right? But guess what? There are small things we can do on a daily basis that can and will contribute to a healthier life – and very, very easily. Some of these are things we may already know, but ignore more often than not! Bringing about minor changes in your lifestyle can take you a long way towards being healthier and fitter in the long run. Here are a few lifestyle changes you can make that we promise you will barely notice, but your body most definitely will!
1. Slather on sunscreen every single day
Experts always preach about putting on a good amount of sunscreen every day. Well, they don’t say it for nothing! Not only is it protection against skin cancer, it is also a good and effective tool against the ageing process of your skin. So keep those wrinkles at bay, and slather on plenty of SPF before stepping out of your house! Regardless of whether or not you will be spending most of your time outside.
2. Make sure to move around every half an hour
Get off that chair at work and just stretch your legs for a few minutes. Walk over to get water – or just simply walk! If you’re chilling at home and watching TV get up and move around during each ad break! It speeds up your metabolism (so, yeah, those calories don’t just pile on!) AND it keeps your muscles and joints limber. Just MOVE. Your body will thank you!!
Also Read How To Live A Healthy Life
3. Look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes
If you’re using your computer for long stretches, just look away and at something else every 20 minutes. Glaring directly at the screen for long stretches affects our eyes gravely. Your eyes need exercise and rest too! Just look away and stare at a point in the distance for a few seconds before returning back to your screen. (P.S.: Yeah, look away from your phone screen too.)
Also Read Healthy Lifestyle Tips In Marathi
4. Limit your sugar intake
This one may be slightly harder to do, especially if you love your dessert! But control the urge and limit your intake slowly. If you’re someone who is used to taking sugar every day in your tea/ coffee, start from there. Reduce the amount of sugar you put into your beverages and also avoid nibbling on those biscuits while you’re at it! It may take a while, but you will get used to it eventually. The lesser sugar you give your body, the lesser it craves and needs it.
5. Eat your food slowly
Your body does not register that you’re full immediately. It takes almost about 20 minutes! So chew your food properly and don’t eat in a rush to avoid overeating!
6. Keep a bottle of water next to you at all times
Staying hydrated is key to a healthier and better lifestyle. Drinking plenty of water is essential, whether it is for weight loss, energizing your muscles, helping you achieve that glowing skin, and much, much more! Keeping a bottle close and somewhere you can see it at all times is a great way to consume more water every day. You know what they say, after all – “Out of sight is out of mind”. Can’t risk doing that with water!
7. Climb those stairs instead of taking the elevator every time!
Unless its’ 20 floors! We don’t expect you to in that case. But if it’s just 2 or 3 floors up, climb those stairs! You won’t even feel it, but it will get the circulation in your legs going!
8. Eat fruits instead of drinking them
Drinking your fruit in the form of juice is just not the same as eating it. Whole fruits contain heart-healthy fibres, which are half lost when we squeeze the juice out of them. Plus, eating a whole fruit instead of drinking it will also keep you full longer and curb all that unnecessary snacking!
9. Sleep slightly earlier every night
We know it’s tempting to watch an extra episode of your favourite show, or talk on the phone just a few more minutes before going to bed. But sleeping just a little earlier every night will help you go a long way. Not only does it aid weight loss, you will also wake up feeling fresher and more charged up! Start by turning in just 10 minutes earlier every night till you reach your ideal bedtime, and you’ll see a marked difference in your energy levels.
10. Take some time out to meditate every day
Just sit by yourself for 10 minutes every day, with your mind cleared of all thought, and concentrate on your breathing. This is a great way to start your day and de-clutter. You will feel energized and fresh for the rest of the day!