1.
Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb
stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog;
chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your
limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small
increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic
dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile,
move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha
. Then do it!
2.
Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty
meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as
cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts
and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in
limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter,
fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning
machine
. Then be one!
3.
Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960
when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans
have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've
seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence?
It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your
children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought
for the day: Give up just one cigarette
. the next one.
4.
Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms.
Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30
minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach
or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to
soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate.
Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult
people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds
.then
float on them.
5.
Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment,
at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes
and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating
is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots
of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent.
Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'
and your mouth, and your nose
and your lungs as do pollutants
.hum the tune daily.
6.
Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and
help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle
down and buckle up.
7.
Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity
and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who
floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the
day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8.
Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or
one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than
that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer.
Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9.
Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between
living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for
the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10.
Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful
one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't
mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow
these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
Source:
Health-Fitness-Tips.com.