They say it takes three weeks of repetition for good or bad behavior to stick. Are you working on the good ones more than the bad ones? Start young, and instill good healthy behaviors into your daily lifestyle. It’s easier to do, and you are more likely to hold onto them later in life this way, experts suggest. Here are some good lifestyle choices to make before you leave your 20s.
The best way to learn to love exercising is to find the one that works best for you. Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, biking, swimming, etc., if you enjoy it you’re more likely to do it. Exercise not only maintains your health and weight, but it also boosts your energy and improves your mood.
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Meeting, and even in some cases, exceeding your daily water needs is essential. If you need to carry a water bottle to help you increase your water intake, do it!
Whatever it takes to coerce you to drink at least half your body weight in ounces daily. If you aren’t much of a water drinker, try a fruit-infused water recipe.
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If you didn’t know that smoking seriously increases your odds of getting cancer, you must be living under a rock.
Research indicates that women who quit lighting up before age 40 reduce the chance of dying prematurely from a smoking-related illness by 90 percent.
RELATED: Too Much Sitting May Raise A Woman’s Cancer Risk
There is plenty of research that indicates that sitting increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The shocker is that this is even true for those who regularly work out. So what are you waiting for, get up and MOVE!
RELATED: 4 Healthy Habits That Can Hurt Black Hair
Yes, birth control is a big thing to consider, and for some, it’s not necessary.
There are downfalls to birth control, but if you are sexually active and aren’t planning a family soon, you should at least consider the options. Unplanned pregnancies will rearrange your life goals. Find out here why you should stop using the ‘Pull Out Method.’
You should consider the U.S. dietary health guidelines for consuming alcohol. They suggest no more than seven drinks a week, and no more than three in one day. Overdoing it can lead to weight gain, skin problems, looking aged, liver damage and overall health issues.
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As much as you might think it’s cool to say that you never have to go to the doctor, it’s not. If all you have to go for is an annual check up great, but go!
Insurance is not an option; it’s a necessity. You never know when you may get into an accident, develop some rare disease or illness, get pregnant (or get someone pregnant). Trust me, insurance will be your best friend then!
RELATED: 10 Healthy Habits That Alleviate Asthma Symptoms
Learn to appreciate all that your body does for you. Even if you don’t have the perfect butt or the flattest stomach, know that your temple is yours. Once you learn to love yourself, you will consciously take care of yourself, keeping yourself healthy and living longer.
RELATED: #SquadGoals: How Friendships Are Good For Your Health At Every Stage
Not only will it help you de-stress, but studies show that socializing is good for your mental health and heart health. At least one animal study also suggests that it may result in your body burning more calories. So even when things get crazy-busy, make some time to catch up with your friends and family—your health will thank you!
Beauty and hair maven Naomi Mackenzie is a freelance writer and business consultant. Her passion is to continuously keep up with the ever evolving techniques and topics as it relates to skin and hair, while helping others to embrace their own definition of beauty in a healthy way. Her blog, KissTheChaos (www.KissTheChaos.com) shares both an educated and personal perspective, sought to spark ongoing discussion. Follow her on Instagram at @oOolala_laa and on Facebook.
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