A resolution to keep this year’s resolution! 5 tips to get healthier, courtesy AIA
Monday, 19 January 2015 00:08
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We all know that New Year resolutions are easier to make than keep. It’s the same story every year. In January we decide to reach our ideal weight, get more exercise and become healthier. Then after a few weeks, we are back to the same old routine with all zeal towards healthiness down the drain. As a company that promotes healthy living, AIA insurance understands the importance of making little lifestyle changes that positively impact your wellbeing.
So this year, as we resolutely decide to re-embrace healthier habits, here are five easy to do tips from AIA that will help you stay not only healthier, but also, happier.
Sleep well
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s rest. A lack of adequate sleep has been associated with a variety of health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even early death.
Studies show that adults who sleep seven to eight hours a night benefit from better mental and physical health. Sleep also supports proper growth and development, helps the healing and repair of blood vessels and heart and helps maintain a healthy balance of hormones.
Enjoy time out in the sun
Did you know that modest exposure to the sun gives our health a boost? Sunlight helps induce production of Vitamin D in our skin, which is needed to absorb important nutrients that fight conditions such as osteoporosis and helps improve immunity.
Studies have shown that sunlight also helps improve our general well-being and happiness by increasing levels of serotonin, which is a hormone that acts as a natural antidepressant. Exposure to sunlight also helps treat several skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and fungal infections of the skin. So be sure to get some sunshine in your day to day lives. However, keep in mind that too much exposure to the sun is harmful as UV rays from the sun cause sunburn and increase risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore you still need to protect your skin when you go outdoors for longer periods of time with sunscreen, sunglasses, hats or umbrellas.
Keep young at heart
A recent study conducted by the University College London has shown that feeling ‘young at heart’ may actually help you live longer.
Approximately 6,500 people with an average age of 66 were monitored for more than eight years; results showed that those who felt three or more years younger than their actual age had a lower death rate than those who felt their age or a little older. These findings show how feeling optimistic about your self-perceived age can affect your health and well-being in later life.
Keep active in short bursts
Most of us don’t have time for a proper work out every day. However, there is good news. Research shows that short bursts of moderate activity for 10 minutes, three times a day can be just as effective for your health as exercising once a day for 30 minutes. Bursts of activity such as brisk walking, cycling, running, marching in place or even doing jumping jacks can be easily incorporated into your daily life.
Make social connections
Did you know that having a healthy social life helps us live longer? A meta-analysis of almost 150 scientific studies with over 300,000 participants has shown that people who have strong social ties with friends, families, neighbours or colleagues, were found to have a 50% greater chance of survival than those with no social connections. Strong social relationships help people cope with stressful situations while enforcing healthy behaviours.
