These 3 Lifestyle Changes Can Make You Healthier Now

If you’ve ever envied other people for their energy, you can still experience it for yourself. It may not be at the level of other people’s energy and it will take time, but it is possible. The solution is pretty simple: You need to work regularly to change different aspects of your lifestyle and build healthy habits. Here’s what you should do.

Eat a Plant-Based Diet

Eating a plant-based diet can help with many conditions seniors frequently face. This includes hypertension, high cholesterol, and problems with vision. You don’t have to go completely vegan, of course, but you should try to eat more natural plant-based foods. It helps to eat foods you’re fond of, whether it’s bell peppers, tomatoes, or baby carrots. These are also typically high in fiber, which can help with your digestive health.

Improve Your Gut Health

Having a healthy gut can greatly improve your mood. There are many things you can do to improve your gut health. Some suggestions include eating fermented foods, such as kimchi or kefir. You can also drink kombucha. If fermented foods aren’t your thing, then try taking a daily probiotic, which can help you stay regular and experience great relaxation.  (See Improving your Metabolism)

Get Out of the House Once a Day

If possible, go for regular walks outside of your house. If you leave the house once a day and go for at least a five-minute walk, you’ll experience great benefits to your overall health. Staying sedentary can be unhealthy and walking is an easy way to start.

Stretch Regularly

Yoga and tai chi are very good for you and often have instructors who can adopt these practices to your needs. While stretching can be hard to get into, it has some long-term benefits; for example, it can help you learn balance, become more flexible, and avoid injury. You can take classes with other seniors and enjoy the benefits of socializing along with helping your body.

Keep Your Heart Pumping

Whenever possible, try to add a little weightlifting to your daily routine. Autonomy (independence) is a vital part of maintaining quality of life for older adults. Working out can build the muscles and strength to stay independent. Start off with bodyweight and small dumbbells. If you’d like, work with a trainer who can help you avoid injury.

Get to Sleep Earlier

Changes in the gut can make it harder to get enough sleep. One way to help combat this is by going to bed at an earlier hour. You won’t fall asleep immediately, but your body will begin to wind down and allow you to fall asleep at your intended time.

Read More

Reading is more than just a great way to entertain yourself. It can significantly reduce stress and reduce the risk of some mental conditions, including dementia or Alzheimer’s. Find books that fascinate and entertain you. You don’t need to read the encyclopedia; just have fun.

Socialize

Research shows that positive socializing is associated with a better quality of life. Reach out to loved ones and interact with them regularly. Or, if you’d like, you can attend your local senior center and meet new people. You can also find new friends online who share similar interests.

The lifestyle choices you make now will impact you down the road, so it’s important to work on every aspect of your life. Eat healthfully, stay active, and rest and recover. You’ve got a good life ahead of you, and taking care of yourself is a great way to make the most of it.