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5 Tips For Living a Healthier Life!

5 Tips for Living a Healthier Life!

By: Cole Howell, PT, DPT


Having trouble building better health habits? Here are 5 tips for making a change and taking a step towards a happier and healthier life.

Make Exercise a Part of Your Daily Routine

Do you ever think to yourself “I’m not a gym person or a runner?” Well you don’t have to be in order to be healthy. There are so many forms of exercise out there. Try experimenting until you find something you enjoy. If you enjoy the exercise you’re doing, it becomes less of a chore and you’re more likely to stick with it. If you like weight lifting or running, great! If not, try group classes like yoga or Pilates. Still not interested? Why not try something more interactive like a self-defense class or a dance class?

Another tip is to integrate your exercise into your daily life. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further away from your destination so you get some extra steps in. Take your dog for a longer walk. Even making these minor changes will promote a healthier lifestyle!

Stay Hydrated

Water is a basic requirement for survival. We can last without food much longer than we can survive without water, however most of us still walk around dehydrated. Even mild dehydration can cause you to feel lethargic and drain your energy. Water helps get rid of bodily waste, maintain your body temperature, protects sensitive tissues, and lubricates joints. If your urine is NOT clear or light yellow, drink more water!!

Load up on Fruits and Veggies

Eat a colorful diet!!! Try to eat a well-balanced diet, consisting of lean proteins, whole-grains/complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are high in vitamins and nutrients and can help boost your immune system. Avoid processed foods and foods that are high in sugar (beware of hidden sugars ie. drinks like fruit juice). Manipulating your diet is a guaranteed way to improve how you look and how you feel!

Don’t Forget to Relax

Everyone has something that helps them unwind. After a long day at work or a rough exam, try taking some time for yourself to sit back and relax. Whether it be listening to music, reading, exercising, or meditating, everyone can benefit from taking care of their mental health (along with their physical health).

Catch some Z’s

So you’ve started exercising, eating healthy, drinking more water, and relaxing…but don’t forget to give your body time to recover by sleeping 7-9 hours per night. Not getting enough sleep can slow your recovery, decrease your mental stamina, and even decrease your lifespan. Everyone thinks about diet and exercise when they are trying to improve their health...but don’t forget that sleep and recovery are another key component for a healthier life!

Check out Dr. Tamer Issa's book, Freedom From Neck & Back Pain- Learn to Live an Active Life Without Fear of Pain
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