It’s never a bad time to take control of your health, and we want to help you kickstart your journey to better health! Take a look at these 10 easy steps to a healthy lifestyle:
1. Prioritize routine wellness checks.
One of the easiest things you can do to live a healthier lifestyle is to schedule annual doctor visits. Yearly physicals go a long way in catching small things before they become bigger issues. A preventative approach to your health is the best way to go! And don’t forget about immunizations! Vaccines such as the annual flu shot also help keep you healthy throughout the year.
2. Brush and floss your teeth.
Oral health is connected to many areas of wellness throughout the body, including cardiovascular health! Brushing and flossing your teeth every day ensures you’re preventing plaque buildup and protecting your gums. Take it one step further by going to the dentist! It probably isn’t your favorite thing to do, but going to the dentist benefits you more than just having your teeth cleaned. They also check for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other serious conditions!
3. Drink more water.
Taking steps to a healthy lifestyle should start with drinking more water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can often be easier said than done, but you should at least try to aim for 6 glasses of water each day. Limiting beverages such as soda, juice, and energy drinks is also a good idea due to the high sugar content and empty calories.
4. Get enough sleep.
Sleep is the foundation of feeling your best. Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night. But if you’re struggling with the quality of your sleep, consider your bedtime routine and how it may be affecting how well you sleep. For example, we suggest sticking to the same sleep schedule as much as possible, limiting screen time before bed, and adding white noise and blackout curtains to ensure your bedroom is the optimal environment for sleeping.
5. Be mindful of how much you sit.
Tracking your steps? Now that’s literally one of the best easy steps to a healthy lifestyle! Even if you aren’t able to hit the gym every day, you can still get up and walk! Brisk walking is a great form of exercise and a starting point for being more physically active. To take it a step further, look for an activity you like, such as swimming or dancing, and incorporate it into your lifestyle– exercise can and should be something you enjoy!
6. Stay socially active.
Maintaining social friendships and activities is important for your overall health! From joining a workout class to community clubs and other relationships, social connection stimulates your brain, boosts your mental health, and keeps you on track for healthier living.
7. Eat well-balanced meals.
Eating well is one of those steps to a healthy lifestyle that is fundamental for giving your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best. The saying “You are what you eat!” really is true! Here are a few tips for a healthy diet:
- Start the day with a good breakfast of protein and healthy fats.
- Snack smart by choosing fruit, nuts, yogurt, hummus, and peanut butter.
- Aim to eat a vegetable with every meal.
- Cook with olive or avocado oil rather than butter.
- Taste your food before adding salt– instead, season your food with fresh herbs and spices for more flavor.
8. Recognize stress levels and work to lower them.
Stress is related to many debilitating physical and mental health symptoms when left unchecked. Find ways to eliminate stress by practicing meditation or yoga, and find support through friends and family when you’re feeling low.
9. Take vitamins and supplements.
Sometimes, despite eating a balanced diet, you don’t get enough vitamins and nutrients, so a supplement can be beneficial. In fact, Vitamin D is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the US! Our wellness shop carries high-quality products you can trust, and we would be happy to help you determine which supplements would work best for your needs.
10. Partner with a trusted pharmacy.
Finally, an easy step to a healthy lifestyle is finding a local pharmacy that can be your partner. Don’t settle for basic prescription services when you can receive personal attention, fast and friendly service, and additional perks such as free home delivery, consultations, hearing tests, medication compounding, multi-dose pill packaging, and more.
You can take one of the first steps to a healthy lifestyle by reaching out to your local compounding pharmacy! Our goal is to be your personal health advocate and guide you along your wellness journey. The team at Little Drug in Sweetwater TN is ready and willing to help however we can!
