We all know we shouldn’t smoke and drink (too much), that we should exercise more and eat healthy. It sounds simple, but those who tried changing their habits can testify on how difficult it can be. Some people are initially ready for drastic changes, but when they face difficulties, their motivation expires and they give up. However, why not take another approach – the one of a smile. A smile that makes healthy living possibly by making small changes, whether it’s a glass of water in the morning, a healthy snack, or inspiring outdoor exercise. In return, as we learn to smile more, nothing seems impossible and far away. Let’s name a few simple ways to improve your lifestyle.
A glass of water in the morning
If you don’t like its natural taste, put a slice of lemon or lime in a glass of room temperature water first thing in the morning. Water helps us clear our system, speed up metabolism and flush out the toxins. Some nutritionists argue that it even helps reduce weight. Another drink that should become a part of your daily intake is green tea with lemon. A study that included more than 40,000 Japanese men and women, found that those who drank five or more cups of green tea every day had the lowest risk of heart disease and stroke.
Learn some avocado recipes
While spinach is proven to be beneficial to your eyes, avocado seems to be even more effective. A research from Ohio State University revealed that adults who ate lettuce, spinach and carrot salad with 3 tablespoons of avocado absorbed 8.3 times more alpha-carotene, 13.6 times more beta-carotene, and 4.3 times more lutein than those who ate the same salad without avocados. Researchers believe that healthy fats contained in avocado improve the absorption of fat-soluble carotenoids, associated with decreased risk of cataract.
Visit your dental clinic
Regular dental check-ups are much more than a chance to showcase your winnings mile, as they are vital for maintaining your overall health. Unfortunately, in a recent poll that included 2000 Australians, Finder.com.au has revealed that the equivalent of 12.6 million people have purposefully avoided the dentist, with massive 41% listing money as the reason, 20% being scared of needles and pain, while general laziness was listed third, with 13% of participants admitting to ‘never getting round to it’. However, when it comes to regular visits to your endodontist in Sydney, neither cash nor laziness can be an excuse, as root canal problems are often not manifested visibly until the situation’s got much worse.
Adopt Mediterranean diet and nuts
It’s no secret that a Mediterranean-style diet which is rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, olive oil, and grains is associated with everything from weight loss to a reduced risk of Parkinson’s and heart disease. The latest discoveries, however, show that even people with a metabolic syndrome characterized by high cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and excess belly fat, can reduce these symptoms and improve their lifestyle by including an extra serving of mixed nuts to the healthy Mediterranean dietary regimen. Kill off the late afternoon hunger by a serving of five walnuts, five hazelnuts and five almonds over Greek-style yogurt, hot oatmeal or a small salad.
Combine exercise and music
The stress-relieving power of classical music has been a subject of much debate but also some prominent scientific research. In a pilot study at Ohio State University, a 21-minute exercise was enough to lift the moods of patients recovering from cardiac conditions. However, when participants listen to Vivaldi’s Four Season on their headphones, they performed better on a verbal fluency test afterward, as well. The case has led researchers to believe that while exercise boosts cognitive performance by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), the addition of music may help us organize thoughts.
Today’s way of life brings many benefits but also a proportionate amount of potentially stressful situations and unhealthy practices. By embracing these self-improvement changes, we can all learn to relax, be less serious about trivial things, love others and ourselves, smile more, and rise reinvigorated every day.
