4 Steps to a Healthy Lifestyle

Here at GIW, we talk a lot about safety in the workplace. But did you know that your lifestyle outside of work impacts your ability to keep yourself and others safe, too? Better reaction time and improved alertness are just a couple of the benefits of practicing a healthy lifestyle — and there are many other perks as well, ranging from increased energy to longevity.

With just a few simple steps, you can improve your quality of life at home and at work. Try implementing some of these tips to get your healthy lifestyle on track.

1. Give your diet a makeover. You’ve heard it before: “You are what you eat.” Surprisingly, this isn’t far from the truth. Regularly eating foods high in salt, saturated fat, and sugar can leave you feeling lethargic, in addition to posing more serious long-term effects like high blood pressure, chronic disease, obesity, and osteoporosis. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent these frightening health problems.

   To make healthy eating easier, consider making your meals ahead of time and keeping healthy snacks on hand. When you have healthy options at your fingertips, it’s harder to give in to those cravings for sugary, salty, and high-fat foods.

2. Take time to exercise. Fitness isn’t just about controlling weight and keeping your body in shape — it also plays a role in mental health. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity is responsible for releasing brain chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed.

   Maximize these benefits by making fitness a part of your daily routine — even if it’s just 30 minutes after work, pencil it in to your calendar and make it a priority. No time for the gym? No problem. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your workouts! Opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a walk during your lunch break, or stash a set of ankle weights in your desk.

3. Get plenty of sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body slows down — as do your reaction time, problem-solving skills, and alertness — making it easy to make mistakes. WebMD points out that sleep deprivation has been the cause behind some of the world’s biggest disasters in recent history, including the 1979 nuclear accident at Three Mile Island, the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, and the 1986 nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl. And, on a more personal scale, chronic sleeplessness can lead to weight gain, depression, forgetfulness, and illness.

   To improve your quality of sleep, avoid looking at screens and consuming alcohol before you go to bed. The glow from electronics makes it difficult to fall asleep, and although alcohol may make you feel sleepy, it actually significantly impairs your quality of sleep.

4. De-stress. Stress is hard on your brain and your body, and years of anxieties can shorten your life.

   Many of the previous steps can actually do a lot to lessen stress, but to take it a step further, spend some time outdoors. Even just a few minutes of fresh air, sunshine, and greenery can help you clear your mind, find focus, and feel energized. It’s also important to take steps to minimize your biggest stressors. Whether it’s financial troubles or a strained relationship, identify what’s troubling you and find resources to help you get on the right track.

Developing these healthy habits may take time, but it’s certainly well worth the effort!