Ten Easy, No-Cost Tips to Be Happier and Healthier

[Dr Georgianna Donadio, PhD]

Everyone loves "tips", especially when it comes to their health. Here is a short and proven list of ten things we can all do to be healthier, happier, and more energetic. The best part is they are easy to do and can be applied as soon as you finish reading this article! 

Like most of us, I really don't like to work that hard on my health, but in the 7th decade of life, it becomes more and more important that I continue to develop habits and make commitments to things that contribute significantly to maintaining my wellbeing. My father lived to be 101 years old largely because of health habits he developed early in his life.

These days, I consistently hear from my patients who are over 55, that taking care of themselves has become a full-time job - having an exercise program, nutrition and food preparation, reducing stress, dealing with prior injuries or chronic conditions, getting proper sleep, preventing in-home accidents or injuries, scheduling wellness visits, as well as being aware of their insurance coverage and all the associated additional components that come with aging.

Over almost five decades of practice, several easy "tips" have made their way onto
a patient education handout I have available for all my clients. The truth is that, no matter what our age, we can never start too early to develop easy, simple, and common sense habits to keep us healthy. Here are the top ten tips, which I hope you find helpful:

Drink more water

It's easy to get dehydrated, especially if we are taking medicines or vitamins and do not increase fluid intake. In addition, sometimes we overeat because we are actually in need of more body fluid, so by drinking more water we can not only hydrate, but in addition lessen our feeling of hungry.

Reduce your food intake

The older we get the fewer calories we need to consume. Yet in our culture, an overabundance of food for pleasure is deemed Acceptable. When we reduce our food intake we have less wear and tear on our internal organs, store less body fat, sleep better, and can exercise easier when we electively and consistently moderate our eating habits. The now popular intermittent fasting is an excellent example of how to do that.

Move more

The simple act of physically moving is a great way to improve circulation and reduce calories. Simple, daily actions like housekeeping, shopping, gardening, taking our dog (or cat) for a walk, are some easy ways of getting more movement into our day.

Eat less starch

Complex, gluten-based carbohydrates are the main culprit in producing excess insulin, which is a major player in diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and obesity. Today, protein-rich plant-based flours are used to create delicious substitutes for most forms of complex carbohydrate foods.

Eat out less

American's are eating, or picking up to go, 75% of our meals outside the home. The amount of salt, MSG, and chemicals in the foods eaten outside the home is unhealthy. Preparing food at home is not only healthier but also less expensive.

Enjoy a hobby that relaxes you

People with hobbies have lower blood pressure and are less stressed because of being able to redirect their energies and attention into something they love to do that reduces the worry about outside events.

Keep plants or have a pet

Statistics show that people who keep pets or take care of plants are less depressed and more social. Today, in some nursing homes, residents are given plants to take care of to reduce depression.

Have regular personal quite time

Meditation, prayer, chanting, contemplation are all ways to slow down the nervous system and help improve sleep and digestion.

Pay down your debt

The amount of debt a person maintains exerts a major influence on the amount of stress they have in their lives. Owe less, live longer.

Eat breakfast

People who eat breakfast live 7 years longer than those who don't because the body functions more efficiently when eating is on an appropriate schedule.

A good way to get started is by choosing a number of suggestions that you'd like to apply to your current lifestyle. The old adage from Ben Franklin that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" rings true when we take actionable steps to improve our health and well-being!

Happy holidays -

Georgianna

Resources

Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress

17 Reasons Why You Should Get Out of Debt – Benefits of Being Debt-Free

Breakfast: Is It the Most Important Meal?

15 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbohydrate Intake

About Pets & People

Eating Less Just Might Help You Live Longer

Move More to Be Healthy For Good

12 Simple Ways to Drink More Water

Five hobbies that can improve your health

An Ode to Silence: Why You Need It in Your Life