The right lifestyle changes can help improve your physical and mental well-being and play a major role in preventative healthcare. Even small improvements often result in greater comfort and ease, fewer trips to your medical provider, and short- and long-term health benefits. Here's how to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

A Brief Guide to Healthier Living

1. Exercise Regularly

Maintaining a consistent workout routine helps keep your weight manageable while increasing strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. Even in small amounts, exercise encourages the production of feel-good chemicals called endorphins improving mental health.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week. However, feel free to start with only a few minutes a day and work your way up to this level. Walking, jogging, swimming, and group fitness classes are lower-impact workouts that help increase your heart rate. Before starting any exercise regimen, be sure to consult your medical provider.

2. Revisit Your Diet

If weight loss is your primary healthy-living goal, changing your diet is the best improvement to undertake—even more effective than exercise. Even if losing a few pounds isn't a priority, a healthy diet is crucial. It can increase longevity; lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers; and boost immune, digestion, and muscular function.

A healthy diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk products. Lean meats are better than red ones, and oily seafood like salmon and sardines contain plenty of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. You should also keep snacking to a minimum. If you have diabetes or food allergies, work with a medical provider to develop a healthy eating plan.

3. Get Your Sleep

A healthy sleep schedule can lead to various health benefits, including fewer health problems, less stress, better mood, and enhanced mental clarity and focus. Therefore, try to get between eight and nine hours of sleep each night. Shut off your electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime, which aids in relaxation and helps you fall asleep faster.

Your medical provider will be your ally in better health. Hillside Family Medicine has served the Anchorage, AK, area for over 20 years, offering comprehensive family and occupational medicine and lab services. Call (907) 344-0200 to schedule a wellness exam, or visit them online to explore their services.