What is a Healthy Lifestyle?
According to a study by Michigan State University, a healthy lifestyle is defined by four basic criteria:
According to a study by Michigan State University, a healthy lifestyle is defined by four basic criteria:
· Not smoking
· Holding weight down
· Eating right
· Exercising
Of the 153,000 respondents, only 3% participated in all four of what are termed healthy lifestyle characteristics.
“We have millions of people now going through adult life leading unhealthy lifestyles and a medical system that can treat illnesses and keep you alive longer than ever before,” said Mathew Reeves, a Michigan State University epidemiologist. “If we don’t turn this around, the costs to society are going to be crippling.”
What can be done to help people change?
Everyone talks about achieving it, but most people have plenty of excuses as to why they can’t, won’t, or don’t want to change their current status. The most common excuse people make for not trying to have a healthy lifestyle is “a lack of time.” Have you ever said to yourself, “Oh, I’m tired, I don’t have time to exercise?” or “I don’t feel like cooking dinner tonight; let’s just get some fast food.”
Yes Dorothy, excuses are real and they are contagious.
Time and health always seem to be at odds with each other. We have time to work, time to commute, time for our business associates, but very little time to spend on ourselves, people we love, or even random people who deserve our attention.
What can you do in 10 minutes or less?
More than you think. In a brief 10 minute window you can release tension, prevent future frustrations, get your blood flowing, etc. In fact, here are 50 things you can do. With time out as an excuse, what are you going to begin doing differently tomorrow? I don't care what it is, the point is, just do something!
Here are some ideas. If you have other thoughts, leave them in the comments!
“We have millions of people now going through adult life leading unhealthy lifestyles and a medical system that can treat illnesses and keep you alive longer than ever before,” said Mathew Reeves, a Michigan State University epidemiologist. “If we don’t turn this around, the costs to society are going to be crippling.”
What can be done to help people change?
Everyone talks about achieving it, but most people have plenty of excuses as to why they can’t, won’t, or don’t want to change their current status. The most common excuse people make for not trying to have a healthy lifestyle is “a lack of time.” Have you ever said to yourself, “Oh, I’m tired, I don’t have time to exercise?” or “I don’t feel like cooking dinner tonight; let’s just get some fast food.”
Yes Dorothy, excuses are real and they are contagious.
Time and health always seem to be at odds with each other. We have time to work, time to commute, time for our business associates, but very little time to spend on ourselves, people we love, or even random people who deserve our attention.
What can you do in 10 minutes or less?
More than you think. In a brief 10 minute window you can release tension, prevent future frustrations, get your blood flowing, etc. In fact, here are 50 things you can do. With time out as an excuse, what are you going to begin doing differently tomorrow? I don't care what it is, the point is, just do something!
Here are some ideas. If you have other thoughts, leave them in the comments!
1. Brush your teeth
2. Do 15 sit-ups
3. Read the health news headlines of the day
4. Eat an apple
5. Stand up and stretch
6. Send a friendly email to a friend
7. Resist the impulse purchase of a candy bar
8. Post an inspirational quote on Twitter
9. Do 10 lunges
10. Smile
11. Put a package of oatmeal in your pocket or purse for a healthy breakfast or snack
12. Throw a bottle of water in there as well
13. Plug your cell phone into the charger
14. Pay a bill online
15. Ask to have your salad dressing on the side
16. Start a dollar jar to be added to once per day
17. Open a window
18. Say thank you to someone who deserves it
19. Take a deep breath
20. Put on your seat belt
21. Wake up 10 minutes earlier
22. Post a comment on a blog
23. Turn off the lights when you’re the last one out
24. Put on your make-up (this usually pertains to the ladies, but hey, whatever makes you happy)
25. Share a healthy recipe
26. Give your mother a call
27. Wash your hands
28. Put on hand lotion
29. Check your blood pressure
30. Jog in place for 9 minutes
31. Throw away that pen that doesn’t work
32. Take a canvas tote bag to the grocery store
33. Ask a friend to join you for a healthy dinner
34. Put down the remote control and get up to change the TV channel
35. Hug your kids
36. Replace your next cup of coffee with a cup of tea
37. Lay out your clothes for the next day
38. Put your car keys in the same place everyday
39. Take a 10 minute break
40. Suck on a breath mint
41. Add a little pepper to your salad
42. Load the dishwasher
44. Take a quick walk
45. Prepare your coffee maker the night before
46. Skip your late evening grocery store run
47. While watching TV, do 5 push-ups during the commercial
48. Drink a glass of water
49. Straighten your posture
50. Read this list over again and count how many things pertain to you
These things take no time at all but they all could ensure a positive day and a healthier lifestyle. How many of these do you or can you do in a day? What other things can you add to the list?
Whatever you choose to do, make your day healthier and happier. If you can, do the same for someone else too, because, after all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!
Whatever you choose to do, make your day healthier and happier. If you can, do the same for someone else too, because, after all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!
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