Most of us, when we think of living a healthy lifestyle will think about things like denying ourselves that delicious donut or forcing down kale smoothies whether we like them or not. But you know what? If they aren’t your thing, there are lots of other ways of staying fit and healthy, in body and mind, that might be a bit more fun for you. So, let’s take a look at a few of them right now, shall we?
Sudoku: Brain Gymnastics
You might think Sudoku is just a way to pass time on a flight or in the doctor’s office waiting room, but actually, this number puzzle can do wonders for your brain, especially as you get older. People who regularly do puzzles like sudoku are less likely to develop issues with their memory over the years, so if that is a concern for you, you know what you need to do – break out the sudoku!
Dancing: The Joyful Cardio
If pounding the treadmill isn’t exactly your thing, then there is no need to give up on the health benefits of cardio exercise altogether. No, what you should do instead, is crank up your favorite jams and simply move around to them for a bit. Not only is dancing great fun, but it also burns tons of calories, gets those endorphins pumping, boosts your heart health and helps you to lose weight. Play that funky music health girl!
Laughing: The Best Medicine
Ever heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”? You might have thought that it was nothing more than a twee phrase to make people feel better, but actually, laughing more often can boost your health in more ways than you might think. You see, laughing reduces stress hormones, increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, and triggers the release of endorphins. It’s l a natural painkiller and antidepressant all in one, so watch more sitcoms, spend more time with funny friends, and laugh whenever you can!
Playing Video Games: Brain Boosters
Video games often get a bad rap, but you know what? They really aren’t that bad for you, and actually, they have some pretty neat health benefits, especially when it comes to the brain. So, if they are your thing, never feel embarrassed about playing them, and tell those judgy pants friends of yours that while you are playing Animal Crossing or Minecraft, you’re also improving your cognitive function!
Gardening: Green Thumb Therapy
Getting your hands dirty in the garden isn’t just good for your plants; it’s great for you too. Gardening is a form of moderate exercise that can help you stay fit and healthy. It also reduces stress, boosts mood, and improves mental health. Plus, you get the added bonus of growing your own fruits and vegetables, which encourages healthier eating. Whether you’re planting a full garden or just a few pots on your balcony, gardening can be a therapeutic and rewarding activity.
Playing with Pets: Furry Friends, Healthy Hearts
If you’ve ever played fetch with a dog or watched a cat chase a laser pointer, you know how much fun pets can be. But did you know that playing with pets can also be good for your health? Interacting with animals lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and releases endorphins. Plus, pets keep you active, whether you’re walking your dog or playing with your cat. They also provide companionship, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve overall well-being. So go ahead, spend some quality time with your furry friend—it’s good for both of you.
Cooking: Culinary Creativity
Cooking isn’t just about feeding yourself; it’s also a fantastic way to boost your health. Preparing meals at home allows you to control ingredients and make healthier choices. It can also be a creative outlet, reducing stress and increasing feelings of accomplishment. Try new recipes, experiment with different ingredients, and enjoy the process of making something delicious and nutritious. Plus, sharing a homemade meal with family or friends can strengthen social bonds and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Hiking: Nature’s Gym
Hiking is a great health booster because it combines the benefits of physical exercise with the mental health boost of being in nature. Even something as simple as going for a walk around the local park can do wonders for your health in totality, but if you can get out on the trails, then you will find that walking on uneven terrain can give you a full body workout that you really feel in your muscles!
Singing: Vocal Workout
Whether you’re a shower singer or a karaoke superstar, singing can be surprisingly good for your health. It strengthens the immune system, improves posture, and increases lung capacity. Singing also releases endorphins and oxytocin, which reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness. Plus, it’s a great way to express yourself and connect with others. So go ahead, belt out your favorite tunes and feel the benefits.
Crafting: Hands-On Healing
Engaging in creative activities like knitting, painting, or woodworking can have a significant impact on your mental health, as well as being a fun and productive way to spend some time. Studies have shown that crafting can, in particular, lowers your stress levels, significantly boosts your mood, and improve your brain power, so there are few things that are actually better for you if you are looking for a hobby. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you finish your first project will also do you the world of good too!
Playing Board Games: Family Fun and Brain Gains
Games like chess, Scrabble, and Settlers of Catan require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and memory skills, so they’re perfect for keeping your brain healthy as you get older. Of course, they’re also good for getting people together having fun, which means they can boost that mental health too!
Taking Naps: Power Rest
A short nap can improve mood, increase alertness, and boost cognitive function. Just 20-30 minutes of shut-eye can make a big difference in your energy levels and productivity. So, you should never feel guilty or embarrassed about closing your eyes and taking a nap when you feel the need!
Swimming: Splash into Health
Swimming is not only tons of fun, but it is also a full-body workout that is pretty easy on the joints, so it’s perfect for older people and people who re maybe carrying a bit of excess weight, as well as anyone who loves being in the water. Basically, it makes exercise less of a chore. Many people even find that swimming, especially in nature, is great for their mental health.
Traveling: Explore and Expand
xploring new environments stimulates your brain, improves cognitive flexibility, and enhances creativity. Travel also reduces stress, promotes physical activity, and provides opportunities for social interaction. So, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a trip to a far-off destination, traveling can be a fun and enriching experience for your mind and body.
Yoga: Stretch and Strengthen
Yoga is a great whole-body workout that will build lean muscle, improve flexibility and promote relaxation of the body and mind. So if you’re looking for a heavy hitter that will allow you to get lords of health benefits without doing too much in the gym, it is perfect, especially as you get older.
Journaling: Pen Your Way to Wellness
Journaling is more than just scribbling down your thoughts. It’s actually a pretty powerful tool for boosting your mental health. Basically, it gives you a simple way of processing your emotions by writing them down and when you can do this, you are less likely to ruminate on the, which can cause stress, anxiety and depression.
Listening to Music: Melody for the Mind
Whether it’s classical, jazz, rock, or pop, it’s fir to day that music can make a huge difference to your health. From improving the way you feel to lowering your blood pressure, music is a must-have in your arsenal for better health.
Volunteering: The Joy of Giving Back
Giving back to others is not only a great way to spend your spare time, but it is also good for your health too. You see, when you take the focus off yourself and put it onto helping other, you will find that you feel less stressed, less anxious and less depressed. Not only that but it’s a great way to avoid loneliness and build social connections that will last a lifetime. It’s truly one of the best things you can do, not only for you, but for your local community too.
As you can see, looking after your health doesn’t have to be all denying yourself and hard exercise – there are lots of fun things you can do that will make a huge difference to how well you feel, how long you live and how you are able to function in your body. So why not give some of them a try? You probably won’t regret it!
