When considering changes to our lifestyles for health reasons, it can be all too easy to attempt to implement drastic alterations to habits. If you can maintain these habits, you can significantly improve your overall health, but sustainably implementing wholesale changes is easier said than done. However, there are some small steps that you can take which can substantially improve your overall health.
Gradually Increase Your Activity Levels
If you are worried that you might not have enough time to meet the 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise suggested by the government, or you are afraid that your current fitness levels would make this difficult, then fear not.
Scientific studies have suggested that a slight increase in your activity levels can have surprising health benefits. For example, one study found that just by walking around 4,400 steps every day (equivalent to about 2 miles), the likelihood of death in the follow-up period decreased significantly. This shows that you don’t need to immediately push into top gear to become healthier or build fitness levels.
Simply starting off with a 10 or 15-minute walk each day and building from there can boost your body’s response to insulin, decrease stress and help lay the foundations for a healthier lifestyle.
Eat Your Greens
We were undoubtedly informed of the benefits of eating a healthy and balanced diet while growing up, but even minor tweaks to your food intake may bring some health benefits. For example, some studies have suggested that eating just a single serving of leafy greens like kale or spinach could have a protective effect on your memory.
Additionally, leafy greens are a valuable source of the nutrient vitamin K. Some research suggests this nutrient could play a role in fitness levels. For example, one study found that those with lower levels of the vitamin had more trouble walking a quarter-mile than those with the recommended amount.
Visit a Doctor
This might seem like an obvious suggestion if you are struggling with the symptoms of illness or injury, but you’d be surprised at how many people fail to visit a doctor when they need to. It is all too common for people to go to the doctor, leading to complications further down the line.
Additionally, it is essential to get regular check-ups with a medical professional to ensure that you are as healthy as possible. If you do not see a doctor routinely, consider booking a private health assessment with Echelon Health.
Small Actions Pay Big Dividends
Ultimately, the lifestyle tweaks listed above are simple changes that can significantly improve your health. Overall, you do not need to make drastic changes to your habits to begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle. While the tips above may not get you running a marathon or a rock-hard body, they can provide the building blocks needed to build a healthier, more active lifestyle. These changes are easy to implement, but research suggests that they could disproportionately improve your overall wellbeing.
