How to make healthy choices as you age

Whether you are 26 or 62, when it comes to making healthy lifestyle choices – it’s never too late. If you focus on making small, sustainable changes, those choices will soon start to add up and before you know it, goals that once seemed overwhelming now feel much more attainable. Take a look at four important areas to concentrate on for overall good health:

Sleep – Getting a solid amount of shut-eye is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, leaving us more alert, energetic and better able to function. The National Sleep Foundation suggests seven to nine hours a night. To get started, try turning out the lights a half-hour earlier every night.

Exercise – Physical activity plays an important role in keeping our bodies healthy and functioning properly. Use everyday activities to add more movement into your life – Put on your favourite song and dance along while you do housework.

Stress – Continuous stress without relief can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. To combat these symptoms, try meditation – all it takes is a calm mind and some deep breathing.

Diet – A healthy diet is not about deprivation. Rather, it is about increasing energy, stabilizing mood, and keeping you as healthy as possible. Opt for a piece of fresh fruit and some nuts for your afternoon snack to keep you full and energized. For those days when time is tight, try stocking up on healthy, frozen options for a quick meal.

By making one small change in each category you will soon see that one healthy choice leads to another. You can join The Healthy Choice Pledge online at Facebook.com/HealthyChoiceCanada to get more ideas.

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