Preventative Tips to Keep Future You in Top Shape

We love to live in the moment, but Future You wants to have lots of moments too! 

Here are our top tips you can put in place now that will have future impact. And as a bonus? These tips will help Present You feel great, as well!

The benefits of movement seem to be cumulative which means that a sedentary 20 year old may not feel much different from an active 20 year old. But by the time this same person is 40 they will feel those effects much more. And by 60, well, you see where this is going. No matter what age you are now, adding more movement into your daily life will result in a body that feels and functions better years down the line.

 Our bodies are approximately 75% water and need plenty of hydration to work efficiently and at capacity. Staying hydrated affects the physical appearance like our skin and hair, and also affects how our internal systems operate from digestion to immunity and more. If you find plain water is hard to swallow, add a squeeze of citrus or a serving of electrolytes. 

Sleep is one of the most underrated ways to take care of your body. Sleep is important for many things including brain function, circadian rhythms and mood. Unfortunately, adults tend to be chronically under rested which has ripple effects in not only our health but also in our work and our relationships. Try adding 30 more minutes to your sleep routine and in a few weeks you should notice a difference. Most adults do best with getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per 24-hour period.

This one can feel so tricky! As a culture we enjoy a lot of sugary treats; also, sugar has snuck its way into almost everything from yogurt to pasta sauce. One easy way to avoid added sugar is to eat more whole foods, or foods eaten in their original state like fruits and veggies. Another way to avoid sugars is to become an expert label reader. Lowering your sugar intake now reduces your risk for heart disease, obesity and diabetes, as well as increasing your immunity and lowering stress levels.

Things like your annual physical and routine mammograms and colonoscopies are all smart moves to take care of Future You. Catching health issues when they are small often prevents them from becoming larger health issues down the road. It may feel like a hassle to take time out of your week for a doctor’s visit, but we know Future You will be so grateful you did!

These are just a few of the things you can do to set yourself up for a healthy future. If this list seems overwhelming, start with one thing – like drinking a glass of water – and slowly add things as you’re able. Remember, health isn’t lost or acquired overnight. Building healthy habits over time will serve you well in the long run. 

To your health!