Life Lessons: 5 Small Actions That Can Have a Huge Impact on Your Health

‘At least I’ve got my health’ is something people say when they are in a less fortunate position than others. They might not have much money, a place to live, or even a stable job, but at least they’ve got their health.

However, not everyone does have their health, and you might be concerned that you’re not doing everything in your power to look after yours. Fortunately, small changes can be more impactful than you think. Take these actions, and your body should thank you for it.

Adjust Your Cooking Practices

Even a few minor changes in the kitchen can lead to health improvements you didn’t think were possible. For example, using non-toxic ceramic cookware instead of cookware with unknown toxicity levels means you can cut out harmful additives like PFAs, lead, cadmium, and PFOA.

You might also decide to air-fry, roast, or bake your meals rather than deep-frying in oil, which can put you at a higher risk of developing heart problems. One thing at a time can be all it takes to help your body be at its best.

Exercise More

Everyone knows just how important exercise can be for physical and mental health. However, that doesn’t mean everyone exercises for as long or as frequently as necessary.

Whether you currently do very little or nothing at all, adding even just 10 minutes of exercise to your daily routine can be better than adding none at all. It can also just be something simple like walking in the park, doing a 10-minute yoga video, or cycling around the block.

Add More Fruit and Vegetables to Your Diet

Five servings of fruit and vegetables per day can give you a 12% lower risk of death from stroke or heart disease, a 10% lower risk of death from cancer, and a 35% lower risk of death from respiratory disease.

Adding more fruit and vegetables to your diet can be challenging when you consume very few, but it doesn’t have to be a drastic change you make overnight. Start small by including one more vegetable in your meal at night, and eating a piece of fruit as a snack, instead of a chocolate bar.

Over time, you can work your way up from that small change to a big one that significantly impacts your health and well-being.

Consume Fewer Alcoholic Beverages

There’s nothing wrong with unwinding at the end of a busy working day with a glass of wine or beer. If that single beverage regularly turns into multiple, however, you might be at risk of alcohol-related health problems in the future.

You don’t need to cut out alcohol altogether. Instead, start by following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which state that adults can drink in moderation by limiting intake to two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less for women.

Sleep Longer

Sleep is crucial for your health and well-being, so it makes sense that getting more of it can improve a host of annoying symptoms. Of course, getting that sleep isn’t always easy.

To improve your sleep quality, try going to bed at the same time each evening and getting up at the same time each morning. Though we all love the energizing zing of caffeine, it may also be worth limiting your intake to special occasions, like when you visit your favorite coffee roasters. At the very least, try to save the caffeine for mornings only.

Improving your health doesn’t have to be challenging. Start with the small changes listed above, and you’ll be on the path to effortless wellness.