No two men have the same exact makeup, so a health and wellness routine that works for one will not necessarily work for another. It’s important that men looking to turn over a healthier leaf keep those nuances in mind as they begin what will hopefully prove a successful journey to a healthier version of themselves.
Health care professionals often say the best approach to a healthier lifestyle is the one that an individual will stick to. That philosophy reflects that each man is different, but there are some simple daily habits all men might want to consider as they seek to improve their overall health.
• Drink more water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that drinking enough water each day provides a host of health benefits, including preventing dehydration. Dehydration can adversely affect mood and lead to confusion. Dehydration also can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, which the National Institutes of Health notes are more likely to affect men than women due to men’s diets and differences in urine chemistries. Symptoms of dehydration also mimic signs of hunger, which means men might overeat under the mistaken impression that they’re hungry when all their body really wants to do is hydrate. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine determined that men should consume about 15.5 cups of water per day.
• Eat breakfast. One-the-go guys may skip breakfast, which can cause a ripple effect throughout the rest of the day that ultimately harms their overall health. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the body is most insulin-sensitive in the morning, making mornings a great time to consume fiber-filled carbohydrates that can help to lower cholesterol levels. Eating breakfast also kicks metabolism into gear and can reduce the likelihood of overeating later in the day.
• Get up and walk around throughout the workday. Men who work in office settings or other environments that require them to sit for long periods of time should make a concerted effort to get up and move around during the workday. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that workers who avoided sitting for six uninterrupted hours reported feeling more energetic throughout the day than those who were not active. In addition, the study found that those who rose for hourly five-minute walks reported greater happiness, less fatigue and smaller cravings for food than on days when they took a single 30-minute walk.
• Cut back on screen time. Parents may work hard to ensure their children are not spending too much time on their devices, but men also can benefit from spending less time staring at screens. The Mayo Clinic notes that cutting screen time can encourage men to be more physically active, improve their sleep quality and make strong social connections. Each of those things can improve overall health.
Some simple adjustments to their daily routines can help men improve their overall health.
