5 Ways To Create Healthy Days


(Family Features) Ring in the New Year with a resolution that you can

stick with.

Contrary to popular belief, overall health is more than just being free

of disease or chronic illness. Other factors, such as access to fresh foods,

neighborhood walkability and public safety, to name a few, can help

cultivate more healthy days.

Respondents to an Aetna Foundation survey said local aspects have a

large elect on their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

also acknowledges that a person’s zip code is a good indicator of an

individual’s health and longevity. However, there are small, everyday steps

you can make for a fresh, healthy start this year, such as these five easy tips.

Incorporate 30 minutes of exercise. Forty-nine percent of Americans

say they exercise to improve their overall health, according to the survey.

To beat the rush, head to the gym early in the morning. Although it can be

difficult to visit your local gym or recreational center before sunrise, getting

at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day can not only start your day

o« strong, but also help you feel more energized and aid you in maintaining

a healthy weight. Other ways to get daily exercise include taking part

in sports, riding your bike on a path close to home or walking in your

neighborhood park.

Drink more water and plan meals. It’s easy to splurge on food and drink

during the holiday season, but the New Year is a good time to swap your

candy canes and pumpkin pie for fruits, veggies and water. Planning your

meals ahead of time can help you incorporate healthier food options into

your diet. Drinking water throughout the day instead of sugary sodas and

juices helps your body regulate temperature, lubricates and cushions joints,

protects the spinal cord and sensitive tissues, and helps prevent weight gain.

Step away for small breaks. Your overall health also includes your

emotional health and well-being. More than eight out of 10 Americans

surveyed said their mood and stress level has an equal impact on their

health as the food they consume. Life can get busy and overwhelming as

you jump back into a post-holiday routine, but simple acts like taking a few

deep breaths, standing and stretching or taking a walk can help calm the

mind and relieve stress.

Put your smartphone and body on sleep mode. The amount of sleep you

get can have a direct impact on your mood and health. Sixty-four percent

of respondents said they need at least eight hours of sleep to have a healthy day. Add reading a few new books to your yearly goals to help you unplug from electronics an hour or more before going to bed, and ensure you’re getting the rest you need.

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