How to Live Healthier and Longer

Ever go to sleep wishing your life was more satisfying? Your life has potential to be great and be filled with laughter, love, and happiness. You are in control and with these steps, you will instantaneously feel more confident and enjoy life more than ever before.

First, eating healthy can prevent so many diseases, particularly heart disease, which is the #1 killer in the United States. We say we have the best doctors, but if Americans aren't making healthy food choices, then no doctor will solve your problem entirely. Eating low-fat, high fiber, and trans fat-free foods can give you more years than you expect! Calcium is also very important to maintain strong bones as the aging process causes bones tend to become more fragile. Foods with high amounts of protein will give you energy and supply your body with fuel to build muscles. Sit at a table and eat slowly, focusing on the taste and texture of your food. This allows you to appreciate what you are eating more, and causes you to eat only how much your body needs. Eating small meals every three hours is ideal to keep your metabolism fast. Before you reach for those inviting box of cookies on the kitchen counter, ask yourself do you really need one. If you crave something "junk foody", try eating 1 apple, sliced up, with peanut butter. It will provide you will lots of fiber and energy, and satisfy your craving. Remember, there's always a better solution to eating what you're eating.

A more active lifestyle is what your body craves. We are mammals and therefore, our body begs us to keep it moving as much as possible. Small ways to get more movement in is to: park further away in the parking lot, take the stairs, clean your house more often, do some gardening, and take the dog for more frequent walks. Even while sitting at your office chair, you can stretch your leg muscles. Even doing a few calf exercises, or rolling your ankles will immediately boost your energy and make you feel more alert. Thirty minutes of some cardiovascular activity is key to making that heart strong, so try to squeeze in a workout around the neighborhood, in your backyard, or at the gym before work, during your lunch hour, or in the evening. Even 15 minutes at your lunch break will reap benefits! Now all that said, a nap three or more times a week is needed for your body to work properly throughout the day. It will help you stay alert, be more happy, and reduce your stress.

Americans tend to live a more stressful lifestyle. There is no reason why you should be stressed! To sample a simple meditation technique to make you more relaxed even in stressful situations, try meditating for two days, 3 to 4 times a day. Close your eyes, sit up straight, put your palms on your knees, and breathe in for 5 counts and exhale for the longest time possible. A person needs to be stressed as minimally as possible to be happy. Seeing the little, enjoy things in life really make a difference. For example, watch a children's softball game in the park for fifteen minutes! Happiness is reached if you let go of the little things that shouldn't matter. Let go of that time your friend canceled on you, or the time your boss asked you to work overtime on the weekend. Spend time with those that you care about and most importantly, let them know you care. One of the most satisfying things to a person is an act of kindness. Hold a door for somebody, donate money to UNICEF and save one child's life, pick up a piece of paper an elderly person dropped, say 'thank you'..whatever it may be, try it.

Life should be filled with great times, and there are many things that each of us could do to improve our simple, daily lives. Always smile and try to focus on the bright aspects of life!