If you’re determined to improve your life, then you’ve surely come across hundreds of tips online about how you can achieve your goals. This is especially true when it comes to health because a lot of people are still struggling to undo habits that are costing them their comfort and freedom. In case you’re a little overwhelmed by the price you have to pay for a complete lifestyle overhaul, then it’s time to pause and take a step back. You may be diving into too much too soon, as well as failing to prioritize the changes that will truly make a difference to your health.
To simplify the process, why not start with these 4 underrated health tips? While they have nothing to do with your skincare routine and workout regimen, they will leave an impact that will benefit your mind and body for the better.
Say Goodbye to Belly Fat
While you should definitely embrace your rolls and curves, you should also be concerned about how they impact your internal organs. This is especially true when it comes to belly fat, because the more concentrated the fat is in your abdominal area, the higher your risk of metabolic diseases, one of which is diabetes.
You can determine whether you have to make drastic changes based on your waistline. Measurements exceeding 35 inches (88.9 cm) for women and 40 inches (101.6 cm) for men are considered unsafe because of abdominal obesity. You’ll want to cut down the risk by focusing on reducing your belly fat first.
The good news is that you can do this by reducing your sugar intake and doing more cardio. Ditch the vending machine beverages and whipped cream-filled drinks. Take the stairs and commit to half an hour of walking each morning. Your efforts don’t have to be complicated, only consistent.
Install a Water Softener
There’s a huge chance that you’re encountering numerous minor problems at home due to hard water. Hard water is when soft water accumulates minerals on their way to your pipes, and these minerals can have detrimental effects on your households chores and your health. You’ll notice that there’s the excessive lime buildup on your kitchen sink, and your clothes fade much faster after each wash. Your hair feels dry, and showering leaves you with an itchy feeling all over. If you drink from the faucet, then it’s likely the reason our water has been tasting off lately.
Instead of scouring Utah for all kinds of solutions to these different problems, simply invest in a professional water softener installation. Doing so will not only save your health but also your finances. A water softener will keep your plumbing in good shape and prevent premature repairs and replacements. You’ll find that you’re using less soap and detergents too, since lathering things with them will be much easier.
Welcome a Pet to Your Home
There have been studies proving that people with pets have a health advantage over people who don’t. They’re less likely to visit the doctor due to discomforts and complications, and they are better able to cope with mental issues like anxiety and depression.
Dogs, in particular, are popular for reducing people’s stress levels and helping them stay active. That said, make sure that you acquire yours responsibly. Adopt from a shelter instead of buying from pet shops, and choose a breed that you can keep up with. In case you live a sedentary lifestyle and want to change that, then opting for a small or medium-sized breed is a good choice. Go for something you can keep up with, and never overestimate your capacity. The more suitable you are to your pet, the greater the benefits you’ll reap.
Mind Your Gut
Listen to your gut, because it’s home to millions of bacteria that influence your digestion and immune system. Unfortunately, it’s easy to trigger distress in your gut due to the many bad habits you perform daily. Are you fond of eating junk foods and fast foods? How well do you manage your everyday stress at home and at work? Do you abuse your antibiotic intake?
In order to make sure that your gut is happy and functioning well, focus on remedying these habits first. Get enough sleep every night, and look for ways to improve your stress management. Never take antibiotics without your doctor’s permission, and rethink your food choices.
These tips are usually neglected in lieu of fancier tips like taking classes and making certain purchases. While there’s nothing wrong with them, it might make you feel like a healthier lifestyle is not within your capacity to achieve sometimes. The trick is to make it easy by starting with the basics. Build up on them as you progress, and do it at your own pace. After all, it’s your life. There’s not much use in fitting into a smaller dress if you’re stressed and unhappy with your journey.
