Being a millennial probably means that you’re being criticized left and right. Whether you’re being called lazy and antisocial for always staring at a screen or accused of killing the housing market, you know that there is no truth to this. However, it is true that the millennial generation is getting older and thinking about our health is vital. While we do care about fitness and wellness, certain reports show that millennials are not as healthy as people think.
If you are a millennial that is slowly but surely beginning to experience the physical consequences of sitting behind the computer all day in order to earn some extra money or the emotional toll that online negativity and bad news from all over the world are taking on you, it’s time to start taking better care of yourself. Here are some things you can do to ensure you lead a healthier lifestyle.
Introducing a healthy and balanced diet into your everyday routine is the number one step you must take towards achieving this goal. If you have some special dietary restrictions, you are probably already in touch with a nutritionist. If you’ve never visited one, you can consider it as they will surely inform you about the foods you should be eating to improve your health and they can also help you with creating a meal plan.
It’s important to include various food groups into your diet. So, plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats with plenty of protein, various types of seafood, eggs, and dairy products should all find a spot on your plate during the week. What is more, you should understand the detrimental effects that unhealthy snacks have on your health. Instead of candy bars, go for dried fruits, granola bars, and nuts and seeds. If you have to order in food, choose healthy alternatives.
Working from home usually means that you spend the day sitting behind a computer. This inactivity is very bad for your health, which is why you need at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. The great news is that there are so many different types of workouts you can choose from. For instance, if you don’t want to join a gym, you can find some YouTube tutorials and get your daily exercise while at home. You can also go hiking, cycling, swimming, or opt for a team sport.
While on the topic of team sports, maybe you don’t like to work out alone. So, call up a buddy and ask them to exercise together. That way, you might be more motivated and less likely to miss a training session.
Of course, we also have to think about our mental health. With the state the world is currently in, it’s not difficult to see how someone can be having a hard time. Whether you are diagnosed with some sort of disorder or not, it’s normal to feel anxious and depressed when you are constantly bombarded with bad news and exposed to negativity.
One way to deal with these issues is to limit your time on social media and do some relaxing activities instead. If you have a hobby, spend more time doing that. If not, why not start something like painting or knitting? Then, you can consider going to therapy on a regular basis, seeing as how it can have many positive benefits for your mental wellbeing. Something else to think about is working on your overall mindset. For example, you can find experts in mindset training that have the ability to shift your perspective of the world. Whether you are looking to reshape your private or professional life, you can find a more optimistic approach to life and potentially reawaken a long-lost passion.
Other than unhealthy eating habits and inactivity, there are plenty of other habits we unfortunately develop, like drinking and smoking. While quitting altogether would be the best option, you might not be ready or willing to do that yet. The next best thing is doing it in moderation or finding a healthier alternative.
For example, look for low-calorie alcoholic drinks. Tequila will not raise your blood sugar levels, whiskey can help you fight off a cold, while champagne can enhance your memory. On the other hand, you can cut down on how many cigarettes you smoke a day or give nicotine patches or gum a go.
Always being on your phone comes with advantages such as having plenty of apps to choose from when it comes to staying healthy. For example, there are apps that track workouts, record sleep patterns, remind people to take their medication, provide guided meditation, and so on. These encourage us to constantly improve and change habits we see are detrimental.
As we will only get older, it’s important to act on time and prevent any bigger issues occurring down the road. Take these tips into consideration and stay healthy.
Alexis is a Sydney-based part-time writer and a full-time mom of two. Her words carry the richness and offer advice and inspiration to those who desire to improve their lives. Outside of the office, she takes pleasure in spending precious time with her youngsters and absorbing the happiness they constantly radiate.