14 healthy habits to be happier

Health is not only physical well-being but also emotional well-being. Physical exercise, healthy eating, staying away from stress... The activities you do daily have much more impact on your mood than you imagine and, consequently, they also impact your happiness. What prevents you from being happy may not be found in that promotion that never comes, in finding your ideal partner, or in moving to a bigger apartment. Happiness starts with yourself!

We are sure that the secret to being happy is to take care of and love yourself. Do you want to start now? Make the following habits yours to be happy, and we assure you that you will notice it.

1. Eat well

A healthy diet is one of the keys to achieving good health. You must eat a varied and balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, dairy products, meats, and fish. Nourishing yourself well will allow you to have the energy necessary to face everyday life, and you will give your body the minerals and vitamins necessary for all its functions.

Are you worried about staying in line? You can opt for skimmed milk, whole grains, which contain more fiber, and lean meats. Don't abuse processed and industrial foods! Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases. Stay at your weight! The idea is to stay between 21 and 24 Body Mass Index. Don't know what your BMI is? You can easily calculate it

Lastly, cook your dishes at home. Homemade food is much healthier than prepared or pre-cooked food and, of course, has much less fat and sugar! Choose healthy, low-fat cooking techniques, such as cooking, steaming, baking, or grilling. Choose natural and seasonal products, such as fresh vegetables and fruits.

2. Reduce alcohol consumption

We know that meetings with friends, parties, and social events encourage alcohol consumption and that it is a depressant substance that disinhibits and relaxes. Even so, abusing alcohol is very dangerous for health, and is not compatible with a healthy life.

Although some studies suggest that red wine contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, there is no safe minimum amount of alcohol. If you have a calendar full of events where people usually drink, you can always turn to non-alcoholic alternatives. If you are still going to drink, remember to accompany your drinks with something to eat, drink slowly and in short drinks, and space your drinks leaving at least an hour between them.

3. Do sports

Physical exercise is essential to leading a healthy life. Choose the activity you like the most: running, dance, high-intensity training, yoga, swimming... Or simply a walk every day. There are many options to introduce movement into your daily life. Frequent physical exercise improves mood, oxygenates the organs and muscles, tones the skin, and burns calories... The benefits of sport are immense. What are you waiting for?

A sedentary lifestyle is very dangerous for health and is a risk factor for many diseases, including breast cancer, which affects many women every year. In addition, it carries the risk of becoming overweight. Although the most comfortable thing is to lie on the couch all Sunday, it is not the healthiest. Get up for a walk!

4. Tobacco, the further away the better

Nicotine is a toxic and very addictive substance. Surely you are aware of its dangers, but we remind you: it increases the risk of lung cancer, larynx cancer, breast cancer, and other respiratory problems. In addition, tobacco can cause your skin to age, since toxins kill cells more quickly. Your hair weakens, and your teeth turn yellow... Keep tobacco out of your life!

And, remember: if you are around someone who smokes, you don't have to put up with their "bad fumes." Breathing tobacco smoke is almost as dangerous as smoking it, and the effect of smoke on your skin is just as devastating. Tell him to stay away from you while he smokes or to try not to do so while he is with you. You are within your rights. Say no to tobacco!

5. Be careful not to abuse medications!

Do you have the flu or cold and decide to take medication with what you have at home? Medications must be prescribed by the doctor and always taken under medical supervision. It is very common that, if we do not feel bad, we immediately resort to drugs, when basic, healthy care may be enough to feel better. If you are going to take medications, always consult with a professional. He is the only one who can help you banish false myths and will know what is best for you.

6. Sex is health

Maintaining an active sex life can help you be healthier and, of course, happier. Sex reduces stress, activates the immune system, protects the heart, can protect against cancer, tones the pelvic floor, raises self-esteem... The benefits of sex are immense. And, if you practice it with someone you are in love with, the pleasure and well-being multiply.

But remember! There is no such thing as healthy sex if you do not take a series of precautions into account. Always use a condom, since it is the only method that can protect you against Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Some of them, such as AIDS or the Human Papillomavirus, have many deaths associated with them. Sex is pleasure and health, but it is no game!

7. The sun? Never in excess

We all love lying down and sunbathing from time to time. The sun has many benefits, such as it secretes well-being hormones and helps synthesize vitamin C. But abusing the sun can have effects opposite to those desired.

​If you are thinking about showing off a nice tan, it turns out that sunbathing too much can make your skin dry, aged, and bad-looking. Not to mention burns, which are a risk of skin cancer, especially if they occur in youth. Be careful with the sun and always use sunscreen.

8. Be responsible behind the wheel

It is obvious that the car is no game, but traffic accidents are more common than you think. Leading a happy and healthy life also means being responsible for the vehicles you drive, for yourself, and for the people you carry in it. Do not drink a drop of alcohol while driving, rest every 2 hours of travel, watch your speed, and try to drive having had enough sleep.

9. Say goodbye to stress

Stress is a great enemy in your life. Too much cortisol, the stress hormone, can prevent you from losing weight, alter your menstrual cycles, prevent you from resting well, cause gastric discomfort, and lower your defenses, making you more likely to get sick. Find time for yourself every day and forget about the worries of the day through enjoyable activities, such as meditation.

10. Get enough sleep

We don't ask you to sleep 10 hours each day, but we do ask you 7 or 8, to stay rested, healthy, and happy. During sleep, the body "resets" and recycles energy to face the next day. If you don't give your body enough time to carry out this process, it will take its toll hours later with tiredness, fatigue, dizziness, and poor performance. Learn to sleep well. Because you want to be one hundred percent to enjoy everything that a new day offers you, right?

11. Get excited!

Having projects, plans, dreams... It is also essential to lead a healthy life. The motivation to carry out activities that you are passionate about secretes well-being hormones and will have a positive impact on your health and emotional well-being. The job of your dreams, the trip of your life... Or even just planning an incredible afternoon with your friends! The enthusiasm for life and everything you do is also a guarantee of good health. Loving what to do is happiness!

12. Keep your loved ones close

How are we going to be happy if we can't share life with those we love most? Social relationships also impact your health and happiness. The feeling of belonging to a group is one of the basic human needs, and it will also improve your mood, and self-esteem and make you feel calm and safe.

13. Up with self-esteem!

Although we don't always think about it, having a good self-concept is essential for good health. The more you love yourself, the more you will want to practice habits that improve your health and make you happier. Think about what you say to yourself every morning in front of the mirror. Dedicate nice words to yourself, forgive yourself, and find moments of restorative solitude. You are the only love of your life. Love yourself!

14. Laugh non-stop

The benefits of laughter are amply demonstrated. Your brain secretes a multitude of beneficial substances when you laugh out loud. Laughing is associated with the pleasure circuits of the brain, and is almost as beneficial as sex! In addition, it eliminates stress, lengthens life, strengthens the immune system... Bring smiles to your life!