{"id":374,"date":"2022-04-07T15:17:38","date_gmt":"2022-04-07T15:17:38","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-10-10T00:12:13","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T16:12:13","slug":"10-simple-tips-to-start-living-a-healthier-lifestyle-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/10-simple-tips-to-start-living-a-healthier-lifestyle-2\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Simple Tips To Start Living A Healthier Lifestyle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There are many simple changes you can make to start living a healthier lifestyle. Every day, new reports are published advising different kinds of exercise, diets, and routines for better well-being. Even if you consider yourself to be a relatively <a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/what-does-it-mean-to-be-healthy\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthy person<\/a> overall, it can be difficult to figure out what you should actually be doing to preserve your good health.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, living a healthier lifestyle doesn\u2019t have to be complicated.<\/p>\n<p>On <em>World Health Day <\/em>this year (April 7<sup>th<\/sup>, 2022), commit to better health by following one of the simple tips for a healthier lifestyle below. Each of the following tips for wellness are backed by scientific research, and guaranteed to make a difference in your health:<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-reduce-your-sugar-and-salt-intake\"><strong>1.<\/strong> <strong>Reduce Your Sugar and Salt Intake<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Sugar and salt might taste good, but they\u2019re not great for your health. Sugar increases your chances of weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. \u00a0On the other hand, <a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/heres-why-you-should-consume-salt-in-moderation\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">too much salt<\/a> in your diet can lead to an enlarged heart muscle, higher blood pressure, kidney stones, and stomach cancer.<\/p>\n<p>To reduce your sugar intake almost instantly, try switching sugary drinks such as sodas and sweet lattes with unsweetened tea, and lemon water. It\u2019s also worth looking at the amount of sugar and salt in the condiments you use each day. Soy sauce and ketchup contain surprising amounts of added salt and sugar.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re having a hard time conquering your sugar addiction, you can consider looking at Yacon syrup or stevia instead. To replace salt, look for other ways to add flavor to your food. There are tons of amazing herbs and spices out there with great benefits. For instance,<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29243674\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> turmeric<\/a> and ginger have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-add-more-variety-to-your-meals\"><strong>2.<\/strong> <strong>Add More Variety to Your Meals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Most people assume being healthy means cutting out large portions of their diet. However, you can also look to add more variety to your food too.<\/p>\n<p>First, it\u2019s worth looking for ways to cut down on the artificial trans fats you get from countless snack foods and takeaways. Try making<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.bbcgoodfood.com\/recipes\/collection\/takeaway-favourite-recipes\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> your own \u201cfakeaways\u201d at home<\/a> and freezing them so you always have a delicious meal on-hand when you\u2019re craving a guilty pleasure.<\/p>\n<p>Next, examine your weekly menu and ask yourself if you\u2019re eating the same foods too often. Maybe you could try adding a vegetarian day into your routine, or a gluten-free meal, so you can experiment with different recipes?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1624948465121-96e87ae34a87?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mnx8ZHJpbmslMjB3YXRlcnxlbnwwfHwwfHw%3D&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"circlemagazine-circledna-healthier-lifestyle\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"3-drink-more-water-and-less-alcohol\"><strong>3.<\/strong> <strong>Drink More Water and Less Alcohol<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Drinking plenty of water every day is one of the most valuable things you can do to improve your health and happiness. Your body is made up of around 80% water, and it relies on water for virtually everything it does, from processing bowel movements, to ensuring your muscles and skin can perform as they should.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll need around 8 glasses of water a day to avoid issues ranging from dehydration to fatigue, and dry skin. While you\u2019re stocking up on your water intake, it\u2019s worth looking at whether you could benefit from cutting down on other drinks.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/signs-you-might-have-an-unhealthy-relationship-with-alcohol\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alcohol can be fun<\/a>, but it also dehydrates your body, puts your organs under significant pressure, and makes it harder to get a good night\u2019s sleep. If you think you may have an issue with alcohol, look into taking advantage of the resources in your local community to get back on track.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-get-enough-sleep\"><strong>4.<\/strong> <strong>Get Enough Sleep<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Have you ever noticed how everything just seems easier when you\u2019re well-rested? This is because your body and mind thrive on a good night\u2019s sleep. Poor sleep can drive insulin resistance, disrupt your appetite, and even lead to problems with<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3202683\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> your mental<\/a> and physical performance.<\/p>\n<p>With a good night\u2019s sleep, you\u2019ll be more prepared to tackle common stresses and challenges you face in day-to-day life, whether it\u2019s a difficult task at work, or a tough workout. You\u2019ll also be better equipped to fight back against weight gain and obesity.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re struggling to get a good night\u2019s sleep, try shaking up your sleep hygiene, by making your bedroom more comfortable, and following an evening routine.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-feed-your-gut-bacteria\"><strong>5.<\/strong> <strong>Feed Your Gut Bacteria<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Research increasingly suggests a strong connection between our overall health and the health of your gut. Your gut microbiota, made up of various forms of different bacteria, is crucial to ensuring you have a<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/gut-health\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> strong immune system<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Disruption in gut bacteria is linked to a range of chronic conditions, including various digestive problems and obesity. Some scientists even believe your gut health might influence your mental health too.<\/p>\n<p>Feed your gut bacteria by eating more probiotic-rich and fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and yogurt. You can also consider looking into probiotic supplements, and increasing your intake of fiber, so your stomach has the tools to process food more effectively.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1612157777902-5382bc6e864b?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8MTIxfHxleGVyY2lzZXxlbnwwfHwwfHw%3D&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"circlemagazine-circledna-healthier-lifestyle\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"6-find-ways-to-exercise-more-regularly\"><strong>6.<\/strong> <strong>Find Ways to Exercise More Regularly<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Exercise and regular movement are some of the most important components of good health. Unfortunately, many of us spend a huge portion of our lives sitting down. This is particularly true in the world of remote work, where we\u2019re sitting in countless video meetings.<\/p>\n<p>Finding ways to exercise more regularly can make a significant difference to your overall health. If you don\u2019t have a lot of time in your day, consider trying some \u201c<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.stack.com\/a\/micro-workouts-the-new-fitness-trend\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">micro workouts<\/a>\u201d, whenever you have a spare moment. For instance, you could perform some squats while you\u2019re responding to emails on your phone or lift dumbbells during a video meeting.<\/p>\n<p>If nothing else, make sure you\u2019re getting up and moving around as frequently as possible, to avoid the negative side-effects of a sedentary lifestyle.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"7-find-coping-strategies-for-stress\"><strong>7.<\/strong> <strong>Find Coping Strategies For Stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Stress is a known trigger of countless illnesses and ailments, both long-term and short-term. Constant exposure to stress can influence your blood sugar levels, immune system, and more. Yet most of us don\u2019t know how to deal with stress effectively.<\/p>\n<p>One option could be to start adding some meditation to your day. Scientific evidence shows meditation can help with improving<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31083232\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> mental health and mindfulness<\/a>. Exercise can assist with stress too, by boosting your endorphins and helping you to overcome tension.<\/p>\n<p>If your stress becomes too much for you to handle alone, consider reaching out to a loved one for assistance, or speak to a doctor about steps you can take to manage. Sometimes it takes time to find the strategy best for you.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"8-consider-taking-supplements\"><strong>8.<\/strong> <strong>Consider Taking Supplements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>While some supplements might not be necessary for everyone, others can be extremely useful when you want a convenient way to improve your health. Ideally, you should be getting the majority of the nutrition you need in your diet, but this isn\u2019t possible with every substance.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, most people don\u2019t get nearly enough vitamin D. While a deficiency in vitamin D might not be severely harmful, taking a supplement can improve your health by<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/23320612\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> boosting bone strength<\/a>, reducing your risk of depression, and strengthening your immune system.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re getting a little older, you could even look into<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/benefits-of-collagen-supplements\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> taking collagen supplements<\/a> as a way of fighting back against joint problems and replacing some of the natural substances that start to diminish as we age.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"9-nurture-your-relationships\"><strong>9.<\/strong> <strong>Nurture Your Relationships<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Healthy relationships are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. As human beings, we\u2019re naturally social creatures who thrive around others. If we feel alone or isolated, we\u2019re more likely to suffer from a range of problems, from depression and anxiety to poor health.<\/p>\n<p>Studies show people with<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29035688\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> close friends and family connections<\/a> are generally healthier, and even live much longer than people who don\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>Though it can be difficult to find the time to nurture your relationships in a fast-paced world, scheduling moments of important interaction with the people you love could have a resounding impact on your health. There\u2019s a good chance these relationships will make you happier too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1584628805026-9e14c9cd2330?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8Mjh8fGRpYXJ5fGVufDB8fDB8fA%3D%3D&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"circlemagazine-circledna-healthier-lifestyle\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"10-be-more-mindful\"><strong>10.<\/strong> <strong>Be More Mindful<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Mindfulness isn\u2019t just a popular trend right now, it\u2019s actually one of the most valuable ways to improve your health and wellbeing. When you\u2019re mindful, you\u2019re more aware of everything you think and feel each day, which can help you to manage a range of common problems.<\/p>\n<p>Being mindful about what you eat with a food journal or diary helps you to determine whether you have any negative relationships with food, and whether you may have bad reactions to certain ingredients you need to avoid in future.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, being mindful with your emotions can help you to understand how you feel and what triggers certain responses, so you can control feelings of stress, fear, and anger in the future.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bonus-tip-get-to-know-yourself\"><strong>Bonus Tip: Get to Know Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the best ways to improve your health and dedicate more time to your wel-being is to get to know yourself a little better. Understanding your body, how it responds to certain triggers, and what it might need to perform at its best will help you to create a more customized strategy for good health.<\/p>\n<p>This <em>World Health Day<\/em>, invest in your relationship with yourself with a quick at-home<a target=\"_new0.19737074821942555\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau&amp;utm_format=article&amp;utm_creator=&amp;utm_content=10-simple-tips-to-start-living-a-healthier-lifestyle\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\"> CircleDNA<\/a> test, and receive over 500 reports about your health and wellness. You may be surprised by what you discover.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many simple changes you can make to start living a healthier lifestyle. Every day, new reports are published advising different kinds of exercise, diets, and&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2629,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,3],"tags":[222,1081,4319,4539,431,7956,4545,272,63,4541,54,4543,49,4435,4387,5641],"class_list":["post-374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diet","category-wellness","tag-100-squats-zh","tag-anti-inflammatory-foods","tag-diet","tag-healthier","tag-kettlebell","tag-lifestyle","tag-living","tag-natural-therapy","tag-pessimism-en","tag-simple","tag-skincare-en","tag-start","tag-teeth-grinding-en","tag-tips","tag-wellness","tag-zh-diet"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=374"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/374\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5805,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/374\/revisions\/5805"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=374"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=374"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}