Health is wealth. You must have heard this saying multiple times, and it is true. As a woman, it is crucial to embrace healthy living for yourself and your loved ones. Let’s face it, women are amazing multitaskers. Now imagine battling health challenges in the midst of taking care of your family and career? That is surely a nightmare!
How do you avoid it? Adopting a healthy lifestyle is simple. It is not that hard, and it is not even expensive. For instance, a daily 15-minute walk can save you a lot of money in the gym. There are other simple habits you can develop that will not cost you anything except a little time.
Therefore, here are 10 simple habits every woman should adopt to ensure healthy living.
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1. Eat right
Here is what you should know – your health starts from the kitchen. It is not medications or injections. It is the food you eat. So be mindful of what goes into your mouth.
On the other hand, food is an essential part of our lives. So ensure you focus on nutrient-dense foods. The starch in yams, cassava, rice and likes are good as long as you eat them in moderation. Proteins in beef, chicken, goat meat, eggs and the likes are great for your overall health. Fruits and vegetables keep your guts and colons healthy.
In other words, each of these meals contain something you need to stay healthy. Don’t eat one and neglect the other unless specified by a certified health provider.
2. Stay hydrated
Up to 60% of the adult human body is water, according to scientific research. Try imagining living without water for even just a day in a tropical country like Nigeria. Na die be that. So staying hydrated is not something to cruise about. It is a serious daily lifestyle to adopt. Scientists recommend drinking at least eight cups of water daily. Start the day with a glass of water and end it with another glass after dinner.
3. Do a morning stretch
“Stretching can improve your flexibility and posture to reduce the risk of injury and alleviate muscle tension, and it helps increase blood flow to your muscles to promote recovery after exercise and enhance overall physical performance,” says Vaughn Gray, NASM-CPT, a wellness expert and personal trainer in New York City. “Regular stretching can also contribute to relaxation of both your body and mind, making it an awesome way to unwind after a long day.”
You can also begin stretching while still in bed. Remove the covers, then flex and release your lower limbs several times. Other simple stretches include bending your knee and lifting legs in the air, looking left and right, flexing your wrists up and down, and opening and closing your hands repeatedly, among many others.
4. Try some workouts
By now you do not have to be reminded of the importance of a good exercise. You do not even have to pay premium prices for gym registration. You can workout from home. Whether it is just taking a brisk walk around your neighbourhood or busting some moves with afrobeat music playing in the background, the important thing is that you are shaking your body and it is good for your health.
5. Sleep well
The importance of sleep cannot be overemphasised. Gone are the days when motivational speakers will tell you sleeping is a sign of laziness. Instead, modern science has shown that sleeping is actually good for your overall health.
An afternoon nap, for instance, can recharge a tired body and boost the person’s cognitive function. So schedule naps and set the timer so you do not oversleep. As for a good night sleep, you should be targeting at least seven hours to allow your brain and body cool down and get ready for the next day’s activities.
6. Start a hobby
You may have a job that takes most of your time but it is nothing like indulging in something that you love. That thing is called a hobby and every woman should have one. Whether it is creating a garden at the backyard, writing, reading, painting, content creating, teaching or anything at all, make sure you have something that gives you to relax and express yourself.
When you develop a daily routine that includes your hobby, there is a high chance that you will have a far happier and fulfilling life than when you spend most of your time pursuing money.
7. Shake that body
Dancing is a great way of working out and making yourself happy. It is free, it is fun and you can do it at anytime, even at midnight. Turn your chores into dancing time. For instance, you can cook dinner and dance at the same time, wash plate and dance, clean the house and dance. Dance at any opportunity you have. You absolutely deserve to make yourself happy while observing healthy living.
Being alone all the time can be depressing. Even if you are a chronic introvert, there will be times when you wish you had someone to talk to. Ever wonder why most introverts are social media warriors? Having a social life is a crucial part of living. When you constantly interact with others, especially those who share the same interests and values as you do, you will never suffer from loneliness and there will be no room for depressing thoughts.
9. Eat healthy snacks
Sometimes, we crave a snack. Instead of going for the usual junks, you can go healthy by taking some nuts like peanut, cashew nuts, almonds, walnuts, etc. They contain many beneficial nutrients and can help prevent craving for junk food.
10. Just breathe
Healthy living is as simple as just breathing. Start with the box breathing technique. This involves inhaling for four counts, holding for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and holding four counts, then repeat.
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This simple method of breathing can make a positive impact of how you feel when you face the day. It can also help reduce stress by slowing your breathing rhythm, forcing you to take deep, full breaths.
