How Can Living Healthy Help You?
Photo courtesy of Deniz Altindas
For years people have been conducting studies to see the effects of physical activity to the body. These have ranged from a better self-image to improved life expectancy when done correctly. While it may seem challenging to start living a healthy lifestyle, I can assure you that it is not as hard as it seems. Just a few simple changes can help the average person’s life for the better. Here are just a few of the many benefits that a healthier lifestyle can give you.
1. Self Confidence
One of the most important reasons for working out is the boost it gives to self-confidence. While some people do not see the importance in one’s evaluation of themselves, it is one of the most important things to think about every day. Working out and eating healthy can lead to this better body image, which can give people the confidence they need to get through their day, regardless of their situation in the world. While working out is not the sole cure for a positive body image, it is a great step especially in the beginning of this change in lifestyle.
2. A Longer Life
People who partake in aerobic exercise tend to outlive the people that do not partake in these activities. Exercise paired with “superfoods” like beans, berries, seeds, and leafy greens have shown to lead to a longer life expectancy. This is evident by the life expectancy being the highest in areas around the Mediterranean Sea, also known as the blue zone. The foods mentioned prior are staples of the Mediterranean diet which is explained in more detail below. Berry consumption alone has led to lower risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and cognitive decline. This shows that even slight changes to a healthier lifestyle can go a long way.
3. Stronger Immune System
Studies show that eating certain foods such as ones in a Mediterranean diet could lead to a stronger immune system. While there is not just one form of a Mediterranean diet, it typically includes lots of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, tomatoes, carrots, brussels sprouts, and various kinds of beans, nuts, seeds, and lean meats like chicken. This diet supports the immune system by bringing good bacteria to your intestine, where most of the immune system lies. Along with most other things on this list, diet alone can only do so much, pairing this diet with exercising will tend to provide the best results for gaining a better immune system. Specifically, aerobic exercises such as swimming, biking, and jogging are great ways to help build a better immune response.
4. Better Mood
While doing physical exercise, the body releases endorphins which make you feel good during and after the workout. This has made working out gain a reputation of being a great stress reliever. Personally, I can notice a big difference in my mood throughout the day if I have not worked out for an extended period of time. My parents have always told me that this has been my way of operating since I was in grade school. But the benefits don’t stop there, as aerobic exercise has also been seen to help ease depression, calm anxiety, and can even improve sleep, more specifically deep sleep. This additional time in deep sleep helps the body have more energy for the next day. Even if you do not have time to have a consistent workout routine, these benefits will still be in play.
These are just a few of the many positive effects that come with eating better and exercising. If you want to experience a better quality of life, I would suggest giving this lifestyle a shot.
-Mitch Mulqueen
