Body & Mind

Science says: these 7 things healthy people do differently

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!31Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:34 +0200+02:003431#31Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:34 +0200+02:00-11Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202331 05am31am-31Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:34 +0200+02:0011Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam2023312023Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:34 +02004511457amWednesday=9#!31Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:34 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam7#07-05-2023#!31Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:34 +0200+02:003431#/31Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:34 +0200+02:00-11Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202331#!31Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:45:34 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam7#

When I grow up, I want to be someone who has her health well under control. Someone who is running at six in the morning, preps her meals, and keeps track of the nutrients she consumes each day. Unfortunately, I'm not there yet; I still can't get moving when I don't have to, and I love snacks and drinks too much to ever create a truly fit body. Do you recognize yourself in this? Then I have good news for you. Healthy people also don't spend every day in the gym while surviving on rice and chicken. No, they mainly have a balanced routine that supports their body and mind in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So, do you want to live a bit healthier but don't know where to start? Then pick up the following habits one by one, and you'll see that you too can transform yourself into a health freak (in training).

Take time to plan
By planning your meals in advance, you can organize your day more efficiently and make smart decisions regarding your personal health and fitness goals. Set aside one day where you can spare 30 minutes to plan your meals for the entire week. Essentially, you are trading 30 minutes of focus for a week of meal convenience. Quite a nice deal.

Move, move, move
No, you don't have to get out of bed before sunrise to go for a jog (I know I said I want to be like that, but let's be honest: that's never going to happen). Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and start incorporating it into your daily life. It has been proven that regular exercise helps against depression and anxiety while boosting mental focus and productivity. Twenty minutes a day is already enough, so move that body.

Be flexible with food
Flexibility instead of strict dietary rules reduces stress and promotes enjoyment of food. Become aware of dietary rules that you impose on yourself that cause stress. Loosen the rules that feel too strict and restrictive so that there is room for flexibility and enjoyment during meals. You can definitely have that piece of cake.

Eat the rainbow
By eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, you get vitamins and antioxidants that protect against cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other illnesses. One to two pieces of fruit and about 200 grams of vegetables per day are sufficient, and even I manage to achieve that on a daily basis.

Sleep more
Sleeping more and actively working on your health do indeed go hand in hand. Sleep plays a crucial role in healing, recovering, and recharging your body. People who value sleep generally make better decisions for their health throughout the day. Create a bedtime ritual that you enjoy and helps you relax for the night. And do yourself a favor: stop scrolling on TikTok 30 minutes before going to bed.

Get outside
I know, as a professional couch potato, I find this news disappointing too. However, spending time in nature is healing for your body and mind. So, take a walk in your neighborhood every now and then, and if you really can't bring yourself to move: dive into the garden with a good book and thank me later.

Drink enough
Water, right? Because I know what you're thinking. Dehydration can cause fatigue and even mood swings, making it easier for you to abandon the rest of the healthy lifestyle. Staying well-hydrated is at the top of the priority list for healthy people, and now it's on yours too. Want to make sure you're drinking enough? Drink a glass of water after every bathroom visit.

Source: Poosh