Apparent quick fixes to our health and wellness are everywhere we look. Years, and often decades, of lifestyle habits are the primary drivers for who we are and how we feel. Here are three foundational habits that everyone can do to improve their health for the long haul:
Drink Water Before Every Meal: So simple, but a lot of us don’t do it. Proper hydration is a foundation for every system in our body, and being dehydrated can influence everything from our energy and mood to muscle cramps and headaches. Drink a big glass of water as you are putting together your breakfast. Get down a glass or two while you are waiting for your server to bring you lunch. Make it part of what you do.
A Cutoff Time for Eating at Night: Our body has a natural rhythm for everything. It takes time to digest food and allow our GI tract and related hormonal reactions to do what they need to do. The night is meant for sleep, rest, and repair. If your body is spending time digesting, it isn’t able to recover the way it needs to. If you’re looking for a snack or a drink after dinner, do it right away. Pick a time that gives you a MINIMUM of two hours before you go to sleep to cut off eating. You’ll become less acidic, sleep better, and kick into fat burning mode by the morning.
Schedule Walks Every Day: Another simple yet terribly underrated habit. Get some fresh air, load and stretch your musculoskeletal system, and get your blood pumping from head to toe. Not convinced? Regular walks will sharpen your brain activity, memory, and creativity. Get out in the mornings before you start your day or take a 10 minute walk after lunch or to break up your afternoon at work. Even short incremental walks add up over time, so get out there!
