10 Healthy habits you can sneak into your lifestyle

Having a healthy lifestyle helps us avoid getting ill and lengthens our lifespan. It can even help us save money (the fewer visits to the doctor, the more savings you’ll gain).

Being healthy is important, but there is no need to pressure yourself to become a fitness buff overnight. Take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll be able to design a healthy lifestyle that works for you. Here are 10 habits you can incorporate into your everyday routine.

1. Have a healthy breakfast.
   

   Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because you’re “breaking the fast” that your body went through while you were asleep. Having a substantial meal for breakfast can help clear your head and energize you for the day ahead. High fiber, protein-rich foods like oatmeal and eggs are easy to prepare options.

2. Eat well by chewing properly.

   As difficult as it is to imagine in this fast-paced world, it’s important to savor your dining experience. Slowing down by chewing properly helps you enjoy your food more and make you feel satisfied. This makes you less hungry and less prone to choking accidentally too.

3. Eat until you’re satisfied.

   Make sure to eat until you’re satisfied, not until you’re full. These are two different things—satisfaction is when you’ve eaten enough, while being full is when you’ve eaten too much. You can tell which is which by how heavy your stomach feels. The more you overeat, the more your stomach stretches to accommodate your food intake.

4. Drink more water.

   It’s common knowledge that hydration is crucial. Unfortunately, not all of us adhere to the recommended amount of water daily because there are so many other drinks out there. The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends 3.7 liters of fluids a day for men and 2.7 liters of fluids for women.

5. Move more often.

   Exercise can be a big ask for most people, so how about committing to moving more instead? Staying active doesn’t need to be limited to the gym. It can be as simple as taking a 10-minute walk during your lunch break, using a standing desk at work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

6. Do fun workouts.

   If you’ve decided to exercise, do different types of workouts to see what best fits your personality. Having fun while exercising can help motivate you to do it more often instead of feeling like it’s an obligation you have to get through. Love to dance? Dance workouts on YouTube are a dime a dozen. Working is no longer an excuse for not working out!

7. Practice proper posture.

   A good posture can help prevent aches and pains. It’s best to remind yourself regularly to sit properly—a post-it might be helpful. If you can invest in better furniture, ergonomic office chairs are an effective way to save your back from future pain.

8. Take a tech break.

   Whether it’s eyestrain, lack of sleep, or increased anxiety, too much technology can be detrimental to your health. We have to use gadgets in moderation to protect our overall health. Take time out to turn off your devices and spend it with your family instead. Or make your phone work for you—your phone’s “Do not disturb” feature can help you avoid getting distracted by your screen. You can also set an alarm to remind you to turn off gadgets or rest your eyes.

9. Try meditation.

   Another way of making technology work for you is by using meditation apps to help clear your mind. Regular meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and health issues. If meditation apps aren’t for you, try yoga, prayer, or purposeful breathing exercises instead. Perhaps you can also adopt a mantra to combat stress.

10. Add half an hour to your sleep.

    Sleep helps us recharge after a busy and exhausting day. But as much as we love to sleep, it can be challenging to fall asleep. Try going to bed half an hour earlier so you can settle in and sleep better. Make sure to keep your phone away so its light won’t keep you awake. Once you’ve set a good sleep routine, you’ll find it easier to wake up earlier in the morning. The temptation to sleep in is great, but waking up early actually makes you more productive for the day ahead. You’ll also find that an early start is less rushed—you’ll be enjoying your cup of coffee because you have time to spare.

Once you’ve incorporated these wellbeing tips, it’s time to complete your health protection. FWD Life Insurance’s Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance helps you protect your health and finances so you can stay happy, healthy, and vibrant. With FWD Vibrant, you are taken care of before anything happens up to after everything happens, so you can enjoy life with less worries! Consult an FWD advisor by clicking here.