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It is important for several reasons. Activate your metabolism and prevent you from overeating later. Additionally, studies show that adults who eat a healthy breakfast do better at work, and children who eat in the morning do better on tests. If a large first course isn’t for you, keep it light with a granola bar or piece of fruit. Just don’t skip it.
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It will help you save time and money in the long run. Set aside some time, then sit down and consider your goals and needs. Do you want to lose weight? Reduce your consumption of sugar, fat or carbohydrates? Add proteins or vitamins? Meal prepping keeps you in control. You know what you are eating and when. A bonus: It will be much easier to avoid those donuts in the break room at work.
3/12
It can do many good things for you. Staying hydrated is at the top of the list, but it can also help you lose weight. Another reason to opt for H2O? Sugary drinks are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. If you’re not a fan of plain water, add flavor with slices of orange, lemon, lime, watermelon, or cucumber.
4/12
Don’t just have another cup of coffee: get up and move. Do some deep lunges or stretches. It’s great for your body and mind. Just 30 minutes of walking five times a week can help keep sadness at bay. And if you can’t do those minutes all at once, short bursts help too.
5/12
Do you check your email and social media a lot? Sure, the latest updates from your friends and family are just a click away, but do you really need to see photos of your cousin’s last meal? Let him wait until morning. Set a time to log out and hang up the phone. When you reduce your screen time, you free yourself up to do other things. Go for a walk, read a book, or help your cousin cut vegetables for his next big dinner.
6/12
New skills help keep your brain healthy. Sign up for a dance class or a creative writing workshop. Better yet, master a new language. The mental work it requires can slow the signs of aging and even delay the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
7/12
If you turn it on, leave it. It’s a big step toward better health. Your body repairs itself quickly. As soon as 20 minutes after smoking your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Why wait? Kick the habit today. Your doctor will be happy to help you get started.
8/12
There are almost too many benefits to list. A good night’s sleep keeps you in a better mood, sharpens your memory and concentration, and helps you learn new things. In the long term, it reduces your risk of heart disease and helps you stay fit. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. To get the best rest, stay on schedule: Go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day.
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Strength training helps your body exchange fat for muscle mass. That means you’ll burn more calories even when you’re a couch potato. But these workouts can also help you lose weight, strengthen your heart, and strengthen your bones. Do strength training exercises, such as push-ups, lunges, and weight lifting, at least twice a week.
A few minutes in the sun increases vitamin D levels, and that’s good for your bones, heart and mood. Plus, being outdoors means you’re more likely to move your body rather than parking it in front of the TV or computer. Choose nature instead of city streets, if you can. One study found that people who walked in urban green spaces were calmer than people who walked in built-up areas.
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If you are young and active, good balance will help you avoid injuries. If it is older, it will keep you active longer and reduce the chances of you falling and breaking a bone. No matter your age, good balance means better muscle tone, a healthier heart, and greater confidence. Yoga and tai chi are great ways to improve it, but almost anything that keeps you moving, even walking, p
