Wednesday, September 25, 2013 marks the 12th annual National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. Women have the tendency to neglect their own needs for the needs of others. However, this can be dangerous if you choose to neglect your health and fitness. The mission of National Women’s Health and Fitness day is to inform and encourage women to take care of their health. Local organizations across the nation will be holding events for an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 women to learn the facts they need to make smarter health decisions.
The wonderful thing about all of this is that you can make a change for the better at any time. It’s never too late to put your health first. We only have one body in this life, so we need to treat it right. Here are five small changes to your daily routine that will help improve your health and fitness.
1. Drink more water
Sometimes we forget how important water is to our bodies. It is only second to air as the most essential element our body needs to survive. 60 to 75 percent of your body consists of water. Your organs and systems need water to function. So if you’ve been reaching for the sodas and fruit juices, your body could be suffering from the lack of water. Drinking eight cups of water a day is one of the easiest ways to incorporate more healthy choices.
Read more: The Importance of Water
2. Get more sleep
You know the Snickers commercial, “You’re not you when you’re hungry”? Well you’re not you when you’re tired. A lack of sleep has been linked to an array of health conditions from decreased performance to diabetes. Getting more sleep at night can help your memory, your energy, and your immune system. Make sure to turn off all electronics (yes, even your cellphone) and lay down an hour before you go to bed. The light from these electronics can trick your body into thinking that it’s day time.
3. Exercise more
It’s easier said than done, but exercising is one of the most important ways to improve your health and fitness. Regular exercise can improve your cardiovascular system, immune system, and build strength. Exercise also releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals when you’re in pain, so that you leave the workout feeling better than you did before. Try a combination of cardio and strength training if you want to build muscle strength and burn fat.
4. Eat better
You are what you eat. There’s no simpler way to put it. Sugary snacks and simple carbohydrates can make you feel sluggish. Try a piece of fruit to curb your sweet tooth. At meals, make sure you have some healthy fats (olive oils, fish, etc.), complex carbs (brown rice, quinoa, etc.), and lean protein. Another simple way to eat better is to stay away from buying too many processed foods.
5. Relax
Most of the changes above will only impact you slightly if you’re constantly stressed out. Take a few minutes out of every day to reflect on your personal goals and happiness. Then take an hour to do something for yourself. Whether it’s taking a hot bath, painting your nails, going to the gym, or getting a massage or facial, taking that time to do something good for yourself will help motivate you to stay on track.
Making an appointment for a massage is a great first step to better wellness, but it’s important to incorporate all of these simple tips to transform your health. It’s never too late to start taking care of yourself.
photo credit: lululemon athletica via photopin cc
