What is a Healthy Lifestyle?
According to a study by Michigan State University, a healthy lifestyle is defined by four basic criteria:
* Not smoking
* Holding weight down
* Eating right
* Exercising
Of the 153,000 respondents, only 3% participated in all four of what are termed healthy lifestyle characteristics.
“We have millions of people now going through adult life leading unhealthy lifestyles and a medical system that can treat illnesses and keep you alive longer than ever before,” said Mathew Reeves, a Michigan State University epidemiologist. “If we don’t turn this around, the costs to society are going to be crippling.”
What can be done to help people change?
Everyone talks about achieving it, but most people have plenty of excuses as to why they can’t, won’t, or don’t want to change their current status. The most common excuse people make for not trying to have a healthy lifestyle is “a lack of time.” Have you ever said to yourself, “Oh, I’m tired, I don’t have time to exercise?” or “I don’t feel like cooking dinner tonight; let’s just get some fast food.”
Yes Dorothy, excuses are real and they are contagious.
Time and health always seem to be at odds with each other. We have time to work, time to commute, time for our business associates, but very little time to spend on ourselves, people we love, or even random people who deserve our attention.
What can you do in 10 minutes or less?
More than you think. In a brief 10 minute window you can release tension, prevent future frustrations, get your blood flowing, etc. In fact, here are 50 things you can do. With time out as an excuse, what are you going to begin doing differently tomorrow? I don't care what it is, the point is, just do something!
Here are some ideas. If you have other thoughts, leave them in the comments!
1. Brush your teeth
2. Do 15 sit-ups
3. Read the health news headlines of the day
4. Straighten your posture
5. Eat an apple
6. Stand up and stretch
7. Send a friendly email to a friend
8. Resist the impulse purchase of a candy bar
9. Post an inspirational quote on Twitter
10. Do 10 lunges
11. Drink a glass of water
12. Smile
13. Put a package of oatmeal in your pocket or purse for a healthy breakfast or snack
14. Throw a bottle of water in there as well
15. Plug your cell phone into the charger
16. Pay a bill online
17. Ask to have your salad dressing on the side
18. Start a dollar jar to be added to once per day
19. Open a window
20. Say thank you to someone who deserves it
21. Take a deep breath
22. Put on your seat belt
23. Wake up 10 minutes earlier
24. Post a comment on a blog
25. Turn off the lights when you’re the last one out
26. Put on your make-up (this usually pertains to the ladies, but hey, whatever makes you happy)
27. Share a healthy recipe
28. Give your mother a call
29. Wash your hands
30. Put on hand lotion
31. Check your blood pressure
32. Jog in place for 9 minutes
33. Throw away that pen that doesn’t work
34. Take a canvas tote bag to the grocery store
35. Ask a friend to join you for a healthy dinner
36. Put down the remote control and get up to change the TV channel
37. Hug your kids
38. Replace your next cup of coffee with a cup of tea
39. Lay out your clothes for the next day
40. Put your car keys in the same place everyday
41. Take a 10 minute break
42. Suck on a breath mint
43. Add a little pepper to your salad
44. Load the dishwasher
45. Play FreeRice for 5 minutes
46. Take a quick walk
47. Prepare your coffee maker the night before
48. Skip your late evening grocery store run
49. While watching TV, do 5 push-ups during the commercial
50. Read this list over again and count how many things pertain to you
These things take no time at all but they all could ensure a positive day and a healthier lifestyle. How many of these do you or can you do in a day? What other things can you add to the list?
Whatever you choose to do, make your day healthier and happier. If you can, do the same for someone else too, because, after all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!
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