Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Healthy Habits
Maintaining good health habits is a secret of every happy man. There is an old saying that "Health is Wealth." If your health is good then you are good, if you are good then you can work properly, and if you can work properly then you get wealth.
- Talk with family and friends.A daily dose of friendship is great medicine. People who know you want to know what's new in life! People want to hear your joys, disappointments, dreams, and failures. People want to know you! Too much time online can not only have negative effects on the eyes, but studies have shown that Internet addiction may impair cognitive function in adolescents. So unplug and go outside and walk around a park with the ones you love. If you open up to them instead of a laptop, then you'll find that they have much more in common then you realize.
- Protect your skin.If you make a habit of layering on the SPF when you're young, your skin will thank you for it years down the road. Skip the tanning bed and liberally apply the sunblock when you know you'll be out on the beach all day, or even just out in the sun for 30 minutes. It only takes a few minutes, and dramatically decreases your risk of developing skin cancer -- your skin will also age better if you take measures to protect it while you're still young.
- Engage in daily physical activity. Regular physical activity can relieve mental and physical tension. Physical activity can be a great source of pleasure, too. Get into the habit young so that you can learn to love running, swimming, biking or whatever physical activity you enjoy most-- for your whole life. Physically active adults have lower risk of depression and loss of mental functioning. Regular cardiovascular exercise can help maintain healthy weight, decrease stress, boost mood and energy, can prevent diseases, and promotes better sleep quality, among other advantages. Like eating vegetables, the health benefits of exercise are practically endless.
- Limit sugar intake.Many scientists have argued that sugar is as toxic, and it's difficult to ignore the mounting evidence of the negative effects excess sugar can have on the body. Skip the soda and eat sugary snacks and desserts in moderation to ward off diabetes and prevent inflammation that can lead to chronic diseases.
- Eat breakfast.They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for good reason -- eating a healthy meal in the morning can jump-start your metabolism and help with weight management. Having a good mix of protein, fat and carbs in the morning can also help you focus in your early classes. Make a point of eating breakfast every single morning -- and no, a cup of coffee doesn't count!
- Remember to laugh.Laughter makes us feel good. Don't be afraid to laugh out loud at a joke, a funny movie or a comic strip, even when we're alone.
- Give up the bad habits.Too much alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine can increase blood pressure. If you smoke, decide to quit now. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Slow down.Try to "pace" instead of "race." Plan ahead and allow enough time to get the most important things done without having to rush.
- Get enough sleep.Stress doesn't just take the joy out of life -- it can also harm your health. Chronic worrying can play a role in skin problems (hello, exam-time breakouts), depression, insomnia, asthma, heart problems, digestive issues, and more. Do yourself a BIG favor now and get into the habit of taking time to chill out, whether it's 30 seconds of deep breathing, an hour of yoga, or a day to yourself to do nothing but relax.
- Floss regularly.Sure, you brush your teeth when you wake up and before bed, but do you take the time to floss? We know your dentist always bugs you about flossing, but it's for good reason. Taking just one or two minutes every night to floss can make a huge difference in your oral health down the road -- it enhances the positive effects of brushing your teeth, and prevents gum diseases like gingivitis.
- Get organized.Use "to do" lists to help you focus on your most important tasks. Approach big tasks one step at a time. For example, start by organizing just one part of your life — your car, desk, kitchen, closet, cupboard or drawer.
- Practice giving back.Volunteer your time or spend time helping out a friend. Helping others helps you.
- Try not to worry.The world won't end if your grass isn't mowed or your kitchen isn't cleaned. You may need to do these things, but right now might not be the right time.
- Drink water.Another thing you've been told a million times: Drink eight glasses of water each day. Although it may not seem like a big deal, staying hydrated can promote proper kidney functioning, improve the appearance of your skin, and energize tired muscles. Carry around a large refillable bottle in your back band so you always have some on hand!
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