Dads, and men in general, aren’t exactly well known for always taking great care of themselves. But, when you think about it, every man owes it to himself and to his family to stay healthy…he’s a necessary part of the team, so why not hang around a little longer?
Here are some super-quick tips to look better, play harder and live longer.
Breakfast
Eating something healthy every morning means you’ll be less likely to be so hungry later on that you end up grabbing some unhealthy snack that won’t do you any favors. Eating breakfast also boosts your metabolism.
Sleep
Seven to eight hours of sleep a night. That’s the ticket to living longer, being a healthier weight, stressing less, and remembering more stuff.
Floss
Do you like having teeth? If so, buy some floss! You can brush all day long, and still not touch all the bacteria-filled gunk hiding out between your teeth. Also, did you know that bacteria can actually increase your heart disease risks?
Breathe
Umm, you kinda do it anyway, so why not use it to help you de-stress and calm your nerves? For a super-quick, super-calming exercise, slowly breathe in through your nose as you count to seven, letting your chest and stomach expand. After a second or two, slowly exhale through your nose, again counting to seven. Do this several times a day, especially when something is stressing you out.
Cook
You know exactly how much fat and how many calories are in your favorite restaurant dish, right? Believe us…you have no idea. Cooking more gives you better control of your nutrients and calories. Don’t forget to cook lean meats, along with lots of colorful vegetables and whole grains.
Save
What’s money got to do with health, right? According to experts, money matters are the top sources of stress for most people. And you know stress isn’t great for your health. So, however you do it, strive to save more of every check, so that you’ll feel more in control of your life. Your heart, as well as your other body parts, will thank you.
Sex
Men feel emotionally and physically outstanding when they have an active sex. According to WebMD, there are countless health benefits attributed to sex, including a stronger immune system, lower heart disease risks, and even lower prostate cancer risks.
Check
At least once a month, do a self-check of your entire body. Nobody knows your body the way you do, so if you get used to the way your body looks and feels, you’re more likely to quickly spot any problems. This includes checking your testicles for bumps, a rough/hard patches, and how they’re hanging (one should hang slightly lower than the other).
Stretch
Before and after exercise, you should stretch. Every so often at your desk, you should get up and stretch. You may even want to consider taking a yoga class. Aside from being in a class with pretty, fit women who are all smiling at you for even trying, yoga helps tone and calm the entire body. It can even improve your performance in other areas of your life.
Talk
Men are well-known for being kinda stoic and tight-lipped when it comes to their probelm. Men are also well known for being more stressed and having more heart health issues. Is there a connection? Possibly! So, talk to a loved one about things that are bothering you. A good listener really does help boost your health.
Sweat
Exercise is great for the body and the mind. Essential, in fact. So get in at least an hour of activity most days of the week. This includes cardio and weight training.
Doctor
Again, men are notorious for just not liking the doctor’s office. Little secret: very few people actually do. However, doctors help you stay healthy. Staying healthy makes you and everybody else happier. So, at the very least, visit your doctor once a year for an annual check-up, report any problems that come up immediately, make sure you get in all necessary screenings, and be sure to keep a copy of your medical history and your medical records. Just in case.
Beer
So. About that gut. Your waist circumferance should be less than half your height. If it’s higher, then you’re at a higher risk of either having a heart attack, becoming a diabetic, and even having less testosterone. You do not want any of these things.
Aim
…for a healthy cholesterol level. According to Mayo Clinic, your overall cholesterol level should be below 200.
Smile
Finding reasons to smile and laugh more can help lower your blood pressure, alleviate stress, improve your immune system, and simply puts you in a better mood. Who doesn’t like to laugh???
