For many Americans, incorporating healthy activities into everyday life sounds appealing, but seems unreachable. With the stress of work and long days, it can be hard to think about finding time to take care of your body and mind. However, as we get older it’s extremely important to do just that, and fortunately there are easy ways to accomplish it.
The key is to start small and think outside the box. You don’t have to join an expensive gym in order to get a good workout in, and you don’t have to make huge changes in your lifestyle in order to get healthy. Here are some of the best ways to begin.
Pull those toes
Your legs and feet take a lot of pressure on a given day, so pamper them every day. After a bath or shower, rub lotion onto your legs in a circular motion, giving yourself a mini-massage. Don’t forget your feet. In the morning, before you get out of bed, bring your legs up and grab your toes to get your circulation going.
"This boosts circulation after your feet have been cramped in shoes all day. Without proper circulation, the muscles and nerves in our toes don't work properly. And that can cause pain in your knees, hips, and back,” says podiatrist Michele Summers Colon.
Stay well
Cold-and-flu season can be rough, but depending on where you live, any time of year can be hard on your allergies, causing stuffiness, sore throats, or a persistent cough. Keep germs at bay in the winter by increasing your vitamin C intake, wiping down the handles of grocery carts with a sanitizing cloth (many stores keep these near the carts), and washing your hands often. In spring and summer, wear a mask when doing yard work and keep antihistamines at the ready.
Turn off those screens
Using your smartphone or laptop or watching television before bed can keep you awake or cause you to have broken sleep, which will make you feel tired all the next day. Put those screens away at least an hour before bedtime and choose a book, instead.
Check your underwear
Make sure your underwear has a cotton lining, as synthetic fabrics can lead to UTIs, yeast infections, and irritation. You might also consider going without undies now and then overnight or on a lazy day just to give your body a break.
Clean your appliances
Your refrigerator, stove, sink, and bathroom fixtures could be making you sick. Make sure you take time every couple of weeks to do a deep clean on shelves, drawers, and trays inside your fridge with hot, soapy water. Wipe down faucets with antibacterial soap to get rid of bacteria, and don’t forget the bathtub and bath mat, where mold can grow
About the contributing Author:
Mr. Johnson’s goal is in line with that of www.PublicHealthLibrary.org which is to provide go-to sources for health and medical information on the web.