Healthy and Fit People Develop These 10 Best Practices![]() Over the years we have changed our ideas from developing habits to developing good practices. Here is why. What we have learned about habits is this, the habits you think are good might just be things you have done for a long time, and they aren’t in your best interest. For example, you may think that a good habit is eating breakfast every morning however it might be in your best interest to begin the practice of Intermittent Fasting. Or another example is maybe you think that long-distance running is a good habit however it might be so very hard on your body and sprinting might be the best practice for your best life. Today we want to share 10 ideas on the best practices of fit and healthy people. It is our belief that developing good practices goes a long way to creating a fit and healthy life. Check it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Practice #1: To Exercise or Not? Answer - It Is Not an Option - Healthy people get exercise on a regular basis. Now, whether that is going to the gym, working out at home, gardening on a regular basis or some other kind of good movement practice. Their WHY keeps them inspired each and every day. They practice good movement each and every day, some because they love it, and for some, it is simply necessary for good health, a great body, good mental health, disease prevention and overall well-being. Practice #2: Moderation - Healthy people understand moderation. They don’t eat whole bags of chips, and they do not regularly eat junk food. They have accepted that these foods are not conducive to their health and they are simply not a regular choice in what they consume. Healthy people enjoy an occasional indulgence, however, instead of eating a whole slice of cake, they eat one or two bites. Some may occasionally order French fries, but it is only on a rare occasion. They pay attention to portion sizes and avoid mindless eating that can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Their typical eating practice is filled with life-affirming real organic foods that support their health, improve their energy levels and prevent chronic disease. Practice #3: Setting Priorities - Health-conscious people know how to set priorities. They don’t look for excuses to skip a workout, instead, they make those workouts a priority. Exercise takes priority on their daily schedules. In fact, their workouts are scheduled just like any other important event in their lives. Practice#4: Goal Setting - Healthy people set goals that they wish to achieve. Whether it is to maintain a certain weight, to lift a certain weight, or to improve some aspect of their fitness and health level, they set goals and plan what needs to be done to achieve them. Practice #5: Set Time for Relaxation - Healthy people set aside time for relaxation and plan activities that help them to de-stress. They understand that self-care is not only about the things you do, but also about things you don’t do. Too much work, the hustle and bustle of life and everyday tension that results from a busy lifestyle must be counteracted with enough relaxation so that stress does not become an impact on good health. Healthy people understand that relaxation is a reset button, and they take the time to push that button regularly. Practice #6: Stay In Touch With Their Bodies - Healthy people are in touch with their bodies. They pay attention to what their body and their mind need as they strive for optimal health and wellness. Practice #7: Social Relationships – We believe that this is more important than ever and over the past few years it has become a must on our list. Healthy people strive for healthy social interactions and interpersonal relationships. They know that their emotional state and overall fulfillment play a key role in their health. Practice #8: Sleep - A big part of self-care is getting enough sleep every single night. Health-conscious people strive to do so because it helps them to be healthier and function at their very best throughout the day. In fact, we have heard it said that if more people began to focus on sleeping well many of our modern-day illnesses would simply disappear. This is how vital a good sleep practice is for your best health and fitness Practice #9: Hydration - Drink water - drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Aside from flushing out harmful toxins from your body, it can also get rid of excess heat. In addition, enough amounts of water can also help you maintain your weight, prevent constipation, even help you think better. “You’re not sick; you’re thirsty. Don’t treat thirst with medication.” Dr. F. Batmanghelidj Practice #10: Breathing - Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or tired? Need to add a little calm and relaxation into your day? Well... lucky for us there’s a way to bring calm to our bodies - and it’s all about how you breathe. In fact, you can energize or relax your body just by changing the way you breathe. Breathing well helps correct poor breathing patterns that can help pull your body out of “fight-or-flight” mode. It helps you to relax and feel more balanced. Lay down with your back on the floor (you don’t have to lay down, but it helps). Keep your knees bent, your feet hip-width apart, and feet on the ground. With your mouth slightly open and your tongue just behind your teeth, inhale slowly, feeling your chin raise ever-so-slightly toward the ceiling. Breathe in for 6 to 8 counts, nice and slowly. Next, exhale through your nose for 3 to 4 counts (half as long as you inhaled), slowly returning your head to its starting position. In just a few breaths, you will notice your thoughts start to slow down and your body begin to relax. This form of breathing helps relieve anxiety, anger and agitation, and even sleep disturbances. How About You? Start where you are. Meaning pick one practice idea and develop it until it becomes a part of your healthy day. Then pick another practice idea and practice it until it becomes a part of your health and fitness lifestyle and so on down the list. Over the course of the next year improving your health and fitness practice, you will begin to see a new you. Share your thoughts in the comments below Get in touch with us if you have questions or if we can help you. What we know for sure is that walking is the link to living a healthy and vibrant life. We believe walking inspires the mind, activates the body, and nourishes the soul. Be sure to sign up here for the FREE Walking Challenge - Join our Free Walking Challenge here - This is appropriate for all fitness levels, though it is tailored to beginners. You will also get a tip a day, which gives you a little more insight into how to walk, what to wear, going outside or using the treadmill, and even journal entries about your experience. Be sure to sign up here for the FREE Walking Challenge - Be sure to get in touch with us and let us know how we can help you. If you want to know who we are and what we believe in check us out here http://wendybottrell.com Our Holistic Coaching and health and fitness products are here Be sure to get in touch with us and let us know how we can help you.
1 Comment
5/3/2022 05:33:07 am
I very much appreciate it. Thank you for this excellent article. Keep posting!
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