5 Simple Actions You Can Take to Be Healthier

Proactive steps you can take today to improve your wellbeing

Alexandra Piedoux
4 min readFeb 7, 2020

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Photo by Bewakoof.com Official on Unsplash
  1. Start each morning with physical activity.

Even light physical activity will do the trick. A walk, yoga, strength training, housework, gardening, grocery shopping. Whatever you choose, physical activity has a myriad of health benefits, ranging from lower risk of cardiovascular disease to healthy BMI to improved mental health.

Besides, unless you work the night shift or are a chronic insomniac, you spent all night sleeping in an anabolic state.

Anabolism is the metabolic state characterized by constructing, or synthesizing, molecules — putting things together. Catabolism, on the other hand, breaks things apart. Anabolic processes are constructive, while catabolic processes are destructive.

While both play crucial roles in human body function, balance is essential. When you ingest food and begin the digestion process, catabolism is triggered, making it extremely important to eat breakfast in the morning.

Doing so allows your body to transition smoothly from an anabolic sleep state to a catabolic waking state.

Which brings me to number two.

2. Don’t skip breakfast!

As discussed above, eating breakfast upon waking in the morning serves an important metabolic purpose.

Choose wholesome, healthy foods — like whole grains, protein, and fresh fruit. Greek yogurt, whole wheat toast with peanut butter, granola with milk, or a smoothie are excellent choices.

Carbohydrates are essential for brain and body performance, so set yourself up for success by starting the day off right.

3. Evaluate your hydration habits and adjust accordingly.

Most people know that drinking water throughout the day is essential to staying hydrated. But far fewer actually exhibit healthy drinking habits in their daily lives.

By the time you feel the pangs of thirst, you are already dehydrated. Keep that in mind and make it your goal to avoid getting to that point where you feel thirsty.

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Alexandra Piedoux

Exploring science communication at the intersection of environment and mental health, dabbling in mindfulness ☀️ Instagram: @apiedoux 🌱