Published 5 July 2016
We know that healthy habits are good practices but do we ever stop to think about why we are encouraged to practice them? Research shows that the impact of good health on our quality of life is far-reaching, regardless of age, sex, or physical ability.
The following are 5 top qualities that good health promotes:
Weight control
Eating right and exercising regularly can help you avoid excess weight gain and maintain a healthy weight. The benefits of exercising can easily be obtained by simply being active throughout the day. For instance; choosing to walk instead of driving or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You can also eat a well-balanced diet to help control the weight.
Starting the day with a healthy breakfast can help you to avoid becoming overly hungry later, which could send you running to get fast food before lunch.
Improves Mood
Doing right by your body pays off for your mind as well. Physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that often leave you feeling both happier and more relaxed. Eating a healthy diet as well as exercising can lead to a better physique, so you may also feel better about your appearance, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Whether it's volunteering or joining a club, communal activities to help improve your mood and mental functioning by keeping the mind active. Making social connections can also improve your mood.
Fights diseases
Healthy habits can help prevent certain health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure by helping to keep certain biomarkers, such as cholesterol and blood pressure, within their targets. This combination keeps your blood flowing smoothly, decreasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity and proper diet can help you prevent or manage a wide range of other health problems, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, and arthritis.
Boosts Energy
We've all experienced that lifeless feeling we get after eating too much unhealthy food. When you eat a balanced diet including whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and fruits and vegetables, your body has the fuel that it needs to manage your energy level.
Regular physical exercise also improves muscle strength and boosts endurance, giving you more energy. Exercise helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and gets your cardiovascular system working more efficiently so that you have more energy to go about your daily activities. It also helps boost energy by promoting better sleep--helping you fall asleep faster and deepening your sleep.
Improves Longevity
When you practice healthy habits, you boost your chances of a longer life. Regular physical activity can relieve tension, anxiety, depression and anger. You may notice a ‘feel good’ sensation immediate following by your workout.