Your 20s are a great time to instill healthy habits that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Here, read through 5 things you should start doing now.
Americans don’t live as long as people from most other high-income countries. One of the main factors contributing to this unfortunate truth is that Americans tend to live an unhealthy lifestyle.
Instilling a healthy lifestyle when you’re young is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases.
But, how can you live a more healthful life? Keep reading for five healthy habits to start in your twenties. Developing these habits will help you look and feel better and may even help you to live longer.
1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is crucial for maintaining your physical and mental health. Lack of sleep contributes to many issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and poor immune function.
In your twenties, aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep a night. If you’re having trouble, there are a variety of effective herbs that may help you fall and stay asleep.
Improving your sleeping habits will boost your memory, creativity, and brainpower and provide you with the energy needed for an active and healthy day.
2. Read Regularly
Recent research suggests that regular reading can improve your mental and emotional health.
Some of the psychological benefits of reading include:
It may seem challenging to find the time and energy in your busy schedule for regular reading, but even just a few pages a night can do a world of good.
3. Exercise Daily
Daily exercise provides you with more energy and can add years to your life. Maintaining regular exercise habits will help combat several health conditions such as stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, cancer, and arthritis.
Need more convincing? Some of the many benefits of regular exercise include:
Come up with an exercise routine that realistically fits into your schedule and do your best to stick with it.
Shoot for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise spread throughout your week. For an added boost, consider purchasing some women’s activewear clothing to make your new routine feel more stylish and comfortable.
4. Drink Enough Water
The human body consists of almost 60% water. Drinking ample H2O is one of the most essential habits for physical health.
Staying hydrated will not only improve your energy levels, brain function, physical performance, and metabolism but can help prevent headaches, constipation, kidney stones, and hangovers.
The amount of water you should drink depends on your body weight, activity level, and personal health. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces every day.
5. Eat Your Greens
The Vitamin K contents of dark leafy vegetables provide several significant health benefits. Eating your greens regularly from a young age protects your bones from osteoporosis and prevents many inflammatory diseases.
Green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and swiss chard, are incredibly high in antioxidants and are considered some of the best cancer-preventing foods.
Cook your greens, enjoy them in a salad, or throw them into your favorite smoothie or juice recipes.
Maintain Healthy Habits
By following these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
Starting and maintaining healthy habits in your twenties will not only help you look and feel better but may even enable you to live a longer, happier life.