The road to health and fitness may be a long and difficult one, and it can even seem daunting at times. However, if the journey is broken down into smaller parts, it becomes more doable and less stressful. Cooper Aerobics is synonymous with the phrase “Get CooperizedTM.” Our ability to live longer, more fulfilling and healthier lives is directly related to our ability to follow good behaviors.
Are you ready to make the change to a healthy lifestyle? Mary Edwards, MS, Fitness Director at Cooper Fitness Center, recommends making minor adjustments to your lifestyle and incorporating these seven healthy behaviors into your routine.
Hydrate. Water is extremely necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It has an impact on all of your body’s processes, from your heart to your muscles and even your nervous system. Drinking enough water during the day can make you feel better and less lethargic throughout your day.
Move. Exercise must be done on a regular basis. Dr. Kenneth Cooper believes that by exercising for 30 minutes on most days of the week, individuals might lower their chance of developing illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and even some malignancies by as much as 50%, according to the American Heart Association.
Consume plenty of lean protein. It is generally agreed that the fewer legs on a piece of meat, the better. Unlike fish, which only have two legs, meat sources such as red meat and white meat have four legs. Fish and chicken are the most nutritious forms of lean protein because they contain less saturated fat.
Natural foods should be consumed. Concentrate on full, natural meals and avoid processed foods at all costs. Whole foods provide more fiber, minerals, and nutrients than processed meals. When you go grocery shopping, consider the items you’re buying. You don’t want to eat meals that include substances you can’t pronounce. Instead, purchase meals that are made up of the active components.
Sleep. People frequently underestimate the importance of sleep in the process of regeneration and recuperation following an exercise or an illness. Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on our mood and might lead to overeating. When we are exhausted, we are unable to think properly and are more likely to overeat. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night is recommended for everyone, including adults.
Look for a power outlet. When you live in today’s culture, stress appears to be a regular part of life. However, learning to handle stress may help you live a longer and better life. You should look for a hobby or activity outside of your job (and perhaps even outside of your family) in which you can devote some “you time.” Look for hobbies that are calming, pleasurable, and allow you to express yourself creatively in a way that is comfortable for you.
Have a certain goal in mind. Always look for opportunities to contribute to something greater than yourself. This might be in your professional life, through volunteer work, or by spending time in someone else’s career. We were not designed to live alone or in isolation, and having a purpose as we grow older can help us preserve our independence and freedom, as well as our cognitive abilities and memory, as we grow older.
Does even this list of healthy practices appear to be too much to handle? Alternatively, you may break it down even further and concentrate on making one little adjustment or incorporating one of these habits into your life each month. Living a healthy life requires effort and discipline, but living a better life is not out of reach for anybody, no matter where they are on their journey toward wellness.