Most Popular Health-Related Habits People Make

Many individuals start new years by quitting unhealthy habits or changing their lifestyle to improve their overall health. Some common habits individuals struggle to break free of include smoking, drinking, or eating unhealthy foods. Attempts to curb these bad habits and develop better alternatives are becoming more commonplace. Individuals are more health-conscious and aware of the dangers of bad habits like smoking. Making health-related changes like regular physical activity or giving up unhealthy foods have gained in popularity. It’s important to choose activities or lifestyle changes you can realistically incorporate into your routine without becoming overwhelmed. It takes commitment and determination to maintain these changes, but progress can be seen and felt over time for individuals who stick to them. Get to know the most popular health-related habits people tend to try implementing as a positive change.

Get More Exercise

Physical activity causes a release of endorphins ('feel good' chemicals). These chemicals produced by the brain are beneficial in many ways like helping to combat stress and producing an overall sense of well being. There are so many benefits to be gained from exercise. Aside from improving mood, exercise can also sharpen mental acuity, increase muscle mass and bone density, and help manage weight.

There are many different ways to get more exercise and improve your health. Aerobic activity like walking, jogging, or swimming is among them. These activities work the major muscles, including the heart. Individuals who are not able to make it to the gym can take a thirty-minute walk a few times every week and still reap the benefits of exercise. Sticking to an exercise routine can be challenging, so start slow and work your way up. Some individuals find exercising at certain times of the day works best for them, and others may need a workout partner for motivation or accountability. Consistency is essential, and whatever type of activity you choose should be done at least three to four times a week.

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Lose Weight

Losing weight is perhaps the most common health-related habit individuals struggle to achieve and maintain. While many individuals choose to lose a bit of weight to improve their appearance, others may not have a choice because of medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes. An individual’s metabolism has a lot to do with how quickly they gain or lose weight. Our metabolism slows down as we age and, as a result, weight tends to accumulate in certain areas like the stomach, much easier. Many women struggle with belly fat. Hormones can also increase weight gain in more ways than one, such as emotional eating or conditions like hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Try to lose weight by eating smaller portions and consuming a variety of healthy foods instead of fad diets. Read the labels of the foods to get a better idea of their ingredients, calories, and nutritional value. Continuously work on meal plans until you develop the combinations that meet your requirements for weight loss.

Continue to reveal the next health-related habit many people promise they will do.

Eat Healthier

Another popular health-related change most of us try to make at one point or another is better eating habits. So many products contain unhealthy substances, and most of us don’t have the time or patience to read labels. Many unhealthy foods are loved and consumed on a regular basis by a large percentage of the population. Processed meats, such as cold cuts or hot dogs, and sweetened beverages, like soda, are staples in many diets. However, these foods are not healthy and have little to no nutritional value. Canned foods and frozen foods are not necessarily unhealthy, but they are not ideal for a healthy diet. Too much sodium or sugar, even naturally occurring sugar found in fruits, can contribute to medical conditions like heart disease. Eat healthier by consuming a healthy diet consisting of nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

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Get In Shape

A healthy diet and regular exercise are an integral part of getting in shape, but so much more can be done to improve an individual's physical, emotional, and mental condition. Workouts tend to get monotonous and boring if they’re not enjoyed, so try to find activities that stimulate your mind in addition to your body. Take care of your mental health by making time to address your wants and needs. Many of us have busy schedules and tend to put others' needs and our many obligations before our personal well being. Whether it's a weekly massage, yoga class, or a trip to the museum, make time for things that will nourish you. Set realistic, short-term goals instead of trying to juggle too many things simultaneously. If you only have brief periods of spare time throughout the day, don’t try to schedule or commit to anything that will stretch you too thin. Take a couple of fifteen minute walks instead of trying to do a long gym session. Schedule 'me time' activities during the early morning or late evening. Weekends are another option. Be patient while you get in shape, and reward yourself for every bit of progress, however small.

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Reduce Stress

Many individuals don’t think about reducing stress until it causes some kind of physical or mental illness. Stress can be very harmful to health, and stress management should be one of our top priorities when making health-related changes. Individuals who internalize or repress negative emotions instead of dealing with them head-on have a higher risk of stress-related illnesses. Individuals under constant, high levels of stress may cope with extreme behaviors like overeating or binge drinking. Stress can cause a variety of mental illnesses like anxiety or depression. There are many healthy ways to handle stress, such as meditation, exercise, yoga, or certain supplements. A conscious effort to reduce stress is one of the best health-related habits individuals can develop.