1. They sleep
enough.
Did you know that sleeping less than 7 hours per night makes
it 3 times more likely that you’ll catch a cold? Not only that, people who don’t
get enough sleep are likely to eat more due to the fact their leptin (an
appetite hormone) levels fall, promoting an appetite increase. So, forget watching
that late movie, get an early night and start reaping the rewards of a full
night’s sleep.
2. They plan their
meals.
Have you ever made the mistake of food shopping when you are
hungry? That’s right; you end up with a basket full of high sugar or
convenience foods that do nothing for your waistline. For some people planning
meals sounds boring and time consuming, but it actually helps you make
healthier choices, regulates your portion size and is great for long term
health.
3. They exercise without being told by their
trainer.
Scheduling in regular sessions with a PT is the best way to
make sure you have an effective exercise programme. However, the healthiest
people and those who achieve the most results don’t just rely on 1 or 2 hours
per week of exercise; they find time for extra gym sessions, yoga classes or go
that extra mile to be as active as they can every day.
4. They set themselves exercise goals.
For some exercise is a chore and for some exercise is
something that just needs to be ticked off in the diary, but for the healthiest
people there needs to be a goal. Not because they want to continuously break records,
but because they understand that it makes it more exciting and gives the
sessions structure and purpose, which stops them giving up.
5. They always ask
questions.
Why is it that many people stop asking ‘why?’ after they
leave school? If we just accept things as fact without finding out why or how,
then you never really learn for yourself. Healthy people want to understand how
to improve their health. They read books and newspaper articles, they ask
health professionals for advice and are willing to research the latest facts on
health and wellbeing.
6. They eat fatty foods.
Fat, particularly saturated fat, has been demonised for
decades as the cause of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Finally, the
mainstream media are beginning to spread the word that fatty foods, such as
oily fish, avocados, nuts, seeds and coconut oil, are full of the essential
nutrient required for energy, regulation of hormones, and absorption of
minerals and protection of the immune system. Healthy people have known this
all along and live by the mantra, “fit people eat fat”.
7. They’re always trying
new things.
Humans are habitual by nature; it’s an evolutionary mechanism
that has helped us survive by staying safe and conserving energy. But we live
in a very different environment these days and it’s much safer to break out of
your comfort zone and reap the healthy rewards. Healthy people eat a variety of
food; they try new activities and are always looking to seek ways of
stimulating their mind to look after their mental and emotional health.
8. They drink alcohol
in moderation.
There have been some studies out recently that have shown
that drinking alcohol in moderation can help reduce the risk of heart attack,
particularly with certain red wines (Sardinian and Sicilian), even compared
against those who don’t drink. The key word though is moderation. There won’t
be many reading this who don’t get drunk sometimes and that’s fine. It
just has to be sometimes, not all the time, not even every week.
Healthy people know how to let their hair down too; it’s just not the only way
they unwind.
9. They laugh often.
According to Dr Michael Miller, a cardiologist from
Maryland, laughing for 15 minutes per day has the same positive effect on blood
flow and dilation of the arteries as 30 minutes of exercise – that’s not even
mentioning the positive effect it has on your mood and mental health. So, if
you want to keep your health on track then make sure you get your daily dose of
comedy!
10. They manage stress well.
Healthy people don’t bottle up their emotions; they seek out
people to talk to or find a healthy way to channel the tension. They don’t run
themselves into the ground physically; they receive regular massage, osteopathy
or whatever drug-free method is needed to make sure they’re pain-free. Healthy
people are aware of how environmental pollutants can adversely affect health, so
eat clean food and use paraben-free beauty products. So whether your stress is
emotional, physical or environmental, for a healthier life it’s important you
recognise it and learn how to deal with it.
Stay healthy!!
