Good physical and mental health is determined by your genetics, environmental influences and daily habits. Adopt several healthy habits to preserve your health and increase your odds of a long, healthy life. These habits are simple to implement and don't require expensive equipment or large amounts of your time.
Brush and Floss
Taking care of your teeth and gums benefits your oral health and your cardiovascular system. Healthy teeth are also imperative to your ability to get proper nutrition. Brush your teeth morning and night using a toothbrush that you replace every three months. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure you brush all tooth surfaces, your tongue, gums and inner cheeks. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing. Floss between all of your teeth once daily using a new section of floss each time. Use a mirror so that you can effectively place the floss between each tooth and gum line as you move the floss gently back and forth. You can use either waxed or unwaxed dental floss depending on personal preference and dentist instruction. Rinse your mouth after flossing.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps nutrients reach your cells and toxins leave your body, explains MayoClinic.com. Most adults are satiated by drinking eight cups of water each day, but your individual needs can vary according to weight, activity level, ambient temperature and medical conditions. To reach your goal, drink a cup of water in the morning, with most of your meals, after brushing your teeth and in the evening. Also drink water to restore your fluid levels after an intense exercise session or being outside in hot weather.
Find Opportunities to Laugh
It's more than a cliche; laughter is truly good medicine. Laughter can help you tolerate pain and aids your heart, brain, breathing and blood pressure, reports the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. This benefit can be achieved from sharing experiences with friends or watching a play, movie, television program, comedian act or animals at play. It doesn't matter what makes you laugh, just strive to put some humor into your life on a daily basis.
Eat a Variety of Foods
Your body needs a wide variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates and fiber for your physical and mental health. It also needs antioxidants to help fend off disease. The best way to obtain needed nutrients and antioxidants is to eat a wide variety of foods. To achieve this, make sure you eat at least one healthy new food each day. This can be something you have never tried or something you eat only rarely. Good choices include exotic fruits such as kiwi, fruit juices such as mango, vegetables such as okra, whole grains such as quinoa, beans such as black beans, and fish such as sardines. An organic grocery store is a good place to find healthy new foods; if one isn't readily accessible, spend some time searching through the produce section of your local store. You may also find new foods in the ethic food aisles or frozen fruits and vegetables sections.
References
- State of North Carolina Division of Public Health--Oral Health Section; September 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Nutrition and Healthy Eating; Water: How Much Should Your Drink Every Day?; April 2010
- University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service; The Connection Between Laughter, Humor and Good Health; Carol Whipple and Susan Calvert; May 2008
- American Heart Association; Eat a Variety of Foods
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