Studies say these 6 lifestyle choices can affect your health

Genetics and environment are some of the factors that affect your quality of health. Even though some factors are beyond your control and can not be changed, particularly genes, there are some lifestyle choices you can engage to boost your health quality.

Maintaining good health is a lifelong endeavor and your daily choices play a crucial role in determining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

From the food you eat to the activities you engage in, your lifestyle choices can have a profound effect on your general well-being.

Without further ado, here are some lifestyle choices that may affect your health.

• Inactivity

As humans, having limited or no physical activity daily can have detrimental effects on your health.

Inactivity can contribute to weight gain, muscle loss, decreased cardiovascular fitness, and reduced bone density.

A 2017 study also found that people participating in moderate physical activity every day had a lower risk of heart disease and overall mortality, regardless of their income level.

To avoid the effect of inactivity on your health, you necessarily don’t need to engage in strenuous exercise.

All you need is just to incorporate simple physical activity into your daily routine which could include walking, jogging, and cycling.

This can help you improve your overall health and well-being.

• Poor sleeping habits

Sleep plays a vital role in brain and body functions. Therefore, quality sleep is vital for maintaining good health.

Poor sleep habits, such as insufficient sleep duration or irregular sleep patterns, can lead to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and depression.

A study showed that sleeping too little at night increases the risk of early death.

So as an adult, aim for over 7 hours of quality sleep each night as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also, establish a consistent sleep routine in order to improve your health.

However, if you have difficulty sleeping you should inform your medical professional.

• Not drinking enough water

Water tends to be the most vital nutrient your body needs. It is essential for the normal functioning of every organ, cell, and tissue in your body, which is why getting enough water each day is crucial.

Low water intake can have adverse effects on your health which could include persistent headaches, increased risk of kidney stones, and fatigue.

So it is advised to consume 3.7 liters of water as a man and 2.7 liters for women each day to help prevent headaches, migraine, and constipation and reduce the risk of kidney stones.

So to enhance drinking the right amount of water you can try keeping a bottle of water on your desk or anywhere you go for constant reminder. Or add flavor with a slice of lemon or strawberries.

• Unhealthy diet

The food you consume plays a significant role in your health.

Poor dietary choices, such as consuming excessive amounts of processed foods and sugary drinks, can lead to weight gain, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, and certain cancers.

So opting for a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can promote good health.

Some researchers found that people who chose a Mediterranean diet lowered their risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other diseases.

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, and it includes less ultra-processed foods.

• Sitting down for too long

Yes, this habit tends to also have an effect on the quality of your health.

Prolonged periods of sitting are implicated in health conditions including increased blood pressure and high blood sugar.

Higher amounts of daily total sitting time are associated with a greater risk of mortality as shown by this research.

So, try to stand up more often — at intervals — and go for walks.

• Lack of stress management

Stress tends to be an inevitable part of human life. However, it can harm your health if not properly managed.

Stress can contribute to conditions like hypertension, weakened immune system, anxiety, and depression.

So engaging in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, and yoga, and seeking social support can help manage stress levels and promote overall well-being.

Henceforth, make positive changes in your lifestyle to have improved health and overall quality of life.