Keeping your body healthy and strong might seem impossible—whether you want to live an active lifestyle and just can’t find the time, grew up as an athlete but have since lost your motivation, or never found a healthy routine that sticks. Good news—it’s an absolutely attainable goal. We all need a reminder every now and then that we only have this one body, so we best take care of it.
Before you get discouraged, remember how capable you are. Try focusing on these four tips to keep you healthy, strong, and thriving. You’ll never know what you can accomplish until you try.
Find Your Why
After retiring from 15 years of dancing, my exercise habits slipped. I felt achy, stiff, and easily tired. I missed the studio so much it hurt. That longing to reconnect with my body paired with a pre-diabetic and high cholesterol note from my doctor motivated me to take care of my body. I prioritised exercise and whole foods again. And once I changed my mindset from “How did I get here?” to “What can I control to make positive changes?” my why pushes me forward, regardless of the results I do or don’t see.
Your why might be different. You may want to get healthy for your family. Maybe you want to train for a big race or competition, or perhaps you’re already healthy and simply want to step up your health goals. Your motivation may change over time, but beginning with a solid why helps immensely.
Drink Water
Water is the fountain of good health, and a great place to start. To make sure that you have clean and safe drinking water, you can search for water dept near me and choose which water provider best suits your needs. If chugging enough water is a challenge, find a fancy new water bottle you’re excited to use. I have too many to count by now. They’re always filled and scattered throughout the house, so no matter where I am, water is within arm’s reach.
Consider reusable straws. Did you know, drinking through a straw leads to more water intake than sipping? That means it’ll be much easier to stay hydrated. And if that’s not enough, throw some fruit or sugar-free flavouring into your water for a tasty boost. My favourite is a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.
I used to really struggle to stay hydrated, but with a few tips, it’s easy to ensure you hit 64-ish ounces a day. Here are seven tips to help you find the best way to hydrate.
Mind Your Major Organs
When it comes to health, you always hear about diet, exercise, and ample sleep. Beyond this advice, think about the major organs you benefit with proper nutrition and increased movement.
- Heart. To lower your risk of heart disease, you only need to stick to the basics. Eat well and clean (choose whole foods over processed foods), and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Keep in mind, your weight can also affect your heart, as can stress and alcohol consumption. So stress less and enjoy certain foods and drinks in moderation.
- Lungs. I have asthma, so I’m always hyper aware of my lung health. There are several things you can do to keep your lungs working at their best. Don’t smoke, and avoid polluted air, whether indoors or outdoors. If you’re not sure where to start, building a great workout starts with understanding what your lungs need to stay strong. Aerobic movement gets your heart pumping, elevating your heart rate and causing you to breathe harder than normal. Strength training, on the other hand, can also work your lungs with longer, measured breaths, which has its own benefits. Keep exercising and check in with your doctor at your annual check-up to make sure your lungs are working without issue.
- Liver. Your liver does a lot for you, and with over 200 functions, you need to treat it right. Once again, diet and exercise are the best ways to benefit this major organ, but you might also consider a liver support supplement to support your body’s filter. This standout formula provides a highly effective blend of nutrients that actively support the body’s natural protective processes.
- Kidneys. Like the liver, kidneys filter waste from your blood. They also help regulate the pH of your body and produce hormones. Benefit your kidneys by controlling your blood sugar and drinking plenty of fluids. And keep an eye on your blood pressure, too.
Find Joy
Any healthy routine will fall short if you don’t care for your mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress can cause inflammation and weaken your immune system—leaving you vulnerable to disease and chronic conditions.
Happiness, on the other hand, leads to longevity and better overall health. Do more of what makes you happy and avoid situations that bring you down. Maybe it’s picking up a new hobby, deepening your faith, or moving across the country. Whatever it is, seek what gives you joy in life, and health will follow.
At the end of the day, diet, exercise, and sleep are fundamental to keeping your body healthy. Eat healthy foods that taste good (the internet has a wealth of ideas!) and focus on creating sustainable habits you enjoy. Remember, your health goals are personal to your needs and abilities. Don’t push yourself too hard, reward yourself, and have fun. Health should be a joy. Now get out there and explore the world of options available to achieve your goals.