5 Daily health habits you should have- Guest post

5 Daily health habits you should have

In the 1930s, British economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that in the near future, the time allotted to working will be cut down to as short as three hours and our vacations will be longer. But even with the power of technology in forms of rapid transport, mass production facilities, and high-speed information exchange, it seems that people in the present have ironically less time for themselves than in the past. Most of the younger population stay up late playing video games, interacting with friends in social media, and doing schoolwork. Adults, on the other hand, feel more stressed juggling their careers, interests, and family matters. These may lead to our mental and physical health being compromised.

Most of us would believe that as we progress in our career, our time for ourselves becomes shorter. But realistically speaking, the perception of being busy is sometimes a result of having more leisure time and less time for things that matter more such as our health. The truth is, you do not need as much time in a day to keep your health in its top shape. Check out these 5 daily health tips that you should make a habit for a healthier and longer life.

1. Eat a balanced meal 5 times a day.

No, you do not need to starve yourself with three servings of plain fruits and vegetables in a day just to stay healthy. If you do not have hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses, eating a balanced meal in three regular portions and two smaller ones (in between) is highly recommended.

Base your meals on fiber-rich foods and complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, yam, oatmeal and brown rice. Mix a single serving of protein such as nuts, fish, and chicken meat. Also avoid eating foods that are rich in LDL cholesterol, saturated fats, sodium, and sugar. Stick more to whole foods, less on supplements, and never skip breakfast!

2. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep.

Many people fail to get 8 hours of sleep daily because of the several distractions that throw their body clocks off the natural rhythm  It was found that eating your dinner and finishing all heavy tasks at least two hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster. Installing relaxing dim lights, using aromatics, and playing soft music can also help you get into a deep sleep and feel energized the next day.

3. Exercise more.

Employees spend roughly 8 to 15 hours a day sitting on their chairs with minimal physical movement. This habit can lead to muscle and joint pains, obesity, and even cardiovascular diseases. Stand and stretch at least every thirty minutes of sitting to improve blood circulation. Sign up for workout programs and join fitness groups too!

4. Take a deep breath.

It may not be that usual health tip you often read, but breathing deeply can instantly shut off stress response from quick and shallow breaths we make unconsciously. During the morning or anytime you feel you like to, close your eyes, take slow deep breaths and let the feeling of body relax naturally.

5. Check your sexual and reproductive health.

You do not always need to go to the doctor to check for the early signs of sexually transmitted diseases. While taking a shower, you may check for the presence of bumps, warts, blisters, and rashes in your genital area. Blood and unusual discharge from the penis or vagina are also indicative of STDs. If you feel pain, itching, tingling, or burning sensation in your genital area, get an STD test immediately. Click here to find out more about the most reliable, most convenient, and fastest STD screening in the country.