For some people, taking the time to exercise in the midst of a hectic activity often feels quite inconvenient. However, don't worry, because you can still have a healthy body by adopting an active lifestyle.
An active lifestyle does not always mean regular exercise. Living an active lifestyle means doing lots of activities that involve body movements that require energy, for example walking, going up and down stairs, or cleaning the house.
By adopting an active lifestyle, you can get a variety of benefits, including a healthier body and avoid a number of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and stroke.
How to Have an Active Lifestyle
Starting an active lifestyle is not as difficult as you might think, it can even be done in simple ways. Here are some ways you can start adopting an active lifestyle:
1. Go up and down stairs
A simple activity that you can do to adopt an active lifestyle is to go up and down stairs. Get used to using stairs instead of escalators or elevator. If your office is on a high enough floor, get around it by going up elevator until about three floors below, then continue up the stairs.
The benefits that you can get from going up and down stairs include improving blood circulation and burning calories, as well as toning muscles and strengthening bones.
2. On foot
Those of you who have been busy with daily activities may be confused about where to start an active lifestyle. No need to be confused. Start by immediately implementing it in activities you do every day, such as walking.
Besides being good for maintaining a healthy heart and blood vessels, walking is also beneficial for burning calories, strengthening bones, and controlling blood pressure. Start by walking to places that are close and easy to reach, such as markets, mini markets, or places of worship.
3. Cleaning the house
Although it seems trivial, diligently cleaning the house can also be a simple way to build active living habits. A study reports that people who are diligent in cleaning the house tend to be healthier and more physically active than people who are lazy to clean the house.
Take a few minutes to clean the house, such as wiping the windows, mopping and sweeping the floor, cleaning the kitchen area, to brushing the bathroom. Even though you have used the services of a housemaid, there is nothing wrong with cleaning your own house.
Tips for Supporting an Active Lifestyle
An active lifestyle also needs to be supported by a healthy lifestyle. The following are some healthy habits that you need to adopt to support an active lifestyle:
Reduce sugar intake
So that the active lifestyle you live provides optimal results, start reducing sugar intake. It doesn't have to be too extreme, but start gradually. Reduce sugar little by little, until you get used to eating foods or drinks without added sugar at all.
Enough body fluids
During an active lifestyle, you will more easily lose fluids, either through breath or sweat. Therefore, it is important to always have sufficient fluids.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you sweat a lot, choose a low-calorie ionized drink to replace fluids and electrolytes that are lost from your body.
Enough rest
An active lifestyle needs to be balanced with adequate rest, because at rest, the body has the opportunity to recover and repair damaged body tissues. So, make sure your rest and sleep needs are met. Make it a habit to sleep regularly, by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.
From some simple ways to live an active lifestyle above, maybe going up and down stairs is the perfect choice for you with busy activities every day. Besides being able to be done anywhere, the habit of going up and down stairs also provides many benefits for the body, starting from reducing the risk of stroke, controlling blood sugar levels, and maintaining brain health.
now, starting an active lifestyle is not as difficult as you think, right? By doing the simple ways above, you can still have a healthy body in the midst of a hectic activity. If you have certain medical conditions but still want to have an active lifestyle, don't hesitate to consult a doctor, OK?
