Seven habits for holistic health

“Now” is always a good time to recommit to being as happy and healthy as we can. Incorporating healthy habits that improve your overall wellbeing can be simple. Here are seven ideas for living a healthier life, holistically.

1. Take a walk. Try to walk 20-30 minutes total each day. From taking the stairs to walking outside, don’t be afraid to break up your walks throughout the day. Walking offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Try inviting a friend to walk with you, too.
2. Stretch. If you’re active, even taking walks as suggested above, stretching is important. Keep your muscles strong, flexible, and healthy by stretching. Don’t know where to start? Stop by your fitness center to see if stretching classes, like chair yoga, are offered.
3. Drink more water. Drinking plenty of water is a good idea (unless you’ve been told otherwise by your physician). Although daily fluid intake can come from food and beverages, water is a tried-and-true way to stay hydrated without consuming calories. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends a daily intake of 125 ounces for men and 91 ounces for women.
4. Get better sleep. Matthew Walker, Ph.D., studies the effects of sleep, and his findings are interesting. There’s a clear link between getting better sleep and improved memory, and that’s just one benefit. It’s a myth that older adults need less sleep than younger people. Learn more about getting a good night’s sleep...
5. Eat more fruits and vegetables. We all have our favorite foods and beverages, but we tend to eat fewer meals and less food as we age. This makes it more difficult to get the nutrients your body needs, so eating well at each meal is important. If you have questions, speak with a nutritionist, your physician, or another professional about how you can improve your nutrition.
6. Improve your balance. Even while aging, you can improve your balance. Try standing on one leg while holding onto the back of a sturdy chair. Start with a few seconds, and gradually increase the time as you go along. Many of our fitness team members offer balance classes––connect with the professional at your fitness center to learn more.
7. Practice relaxation. Chilling out. Meditation. Unwinding. Whatever you call it, relaxing is a significant part of being healthy. Finding time to stop, breathe, listen, and reflect is important––especially during more stressful times. Anything that relaxes you counts. Need some ideas? Try calling a friend, drinking tea, praying, making a gratitude list, or practicing deep breathing. Commit to taking a few moments out of each day to relax, and see how much better you feel.

No matter where you are on your health and wellness journey, we’re here for you. We believe age doesn’t have to hold you back – and that we’re better together. Join our fitness family today!