If you’re looking to improve your health but can’t afford to splurge on an expensive solution, here are 10 habits that won’t break the bank. Because let’s face it: those expensive supplements and classes probably don’t even work.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Get sufficient sleep
Sleep is one of the most important factors for health. Yet, the CDC reports that 30% of adults are not getting sufficient sleep. To get the recommended 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, you can improve your sleep hygiene by keeping a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bed, and not eating too close to bedtime.
Drink more water
Sufficient water intake is a must to prevent dehydration and help the body function normally! A reusable water bottle can help with this, but drinking a glass of water with each meal is also a good way to start.
You may also like: Science-Backed Skincare Products
Stretch daily
One thing I’ve always heard is that if there is something you want to be able to do in your old age, you need to do it every day to maintain the skill. The same stands for the elasticity of your muscles and ligaments!
Strengthen your muscles
Weekly strength exercises help protect your joints, improve balance, and provide numerous other benefits. Protecting from chronic conditions that can occur as you age, just a little strength training is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you lift weights, practice Pilates, or engage in calisthenics, the benefits are lifelong.
Reduce screen time
Too much screen time is associated with a damaged attention span, eye strain, and a major opportunity cost. That is, you could be reading or moving your body in the time that you are on your phone. Since excessive screen time negatively impacts health, reducing it is clearly positive.
You may also like: Beat Brainrot with Books
Move more, sit less
The majority of Americans have a sedentary lifestyle. Office jobs and unwalkable cities are the largest contributors to this issue. While hitting that 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week is good, it’s the minimum, and most people aren’t even hitting that. If you work from home, try a standing desk. If you work at an office, try to take a quick break to stand up every hour or so.
Focus on whole foods
Reducing takeout and increasing at-home cooking with whole foods has benefits for your brain, heart, and gut. The nutrients that come from whole foods are unmatched for health.
Get some sunshine
Starting the morning by getting outside and letting the sun hit your face regulates your internal clock, boosts energy, and can even help with Vitamin D production.
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking will drastically improve your health in a variety. It lowers risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung issues. Not only that, but it can improve the health of those around you by reducing secondhand smoke consumption. Finally, you’ll be saving tons of money! Smoking is an expensive habit.
Incorporate a multivitamin
While this one isn’t free, it can be extremely beneficial if the first nine habits on this list aren’t making you feel better. Vitamin deficiencies are surprisingly common, and a multivitamin is a good way to round out your vitamin intake. If you feel fatigued, have cravings, or sleep poorly, a vitamin could be to blame. A blood test at the doctor’s office can confirm this if you’re interested in beginning a serious vitamin regimen.
