Most people strive to stay healthy, but often the information they read can be conflicting. This leaves people not really knowing what to do and, in turn, they end up doing nothing. Staying healthy and safe should be met with a common sense approach. Chances are good that you already have an idea of what you should be doing. Here are eight reminders to inspire you to be the healthiest you can be.

Eat the Right Foods

Eating right and changing bad habits is one of the best things you can do for your body and you can start today. Stay away from processed foods, refined sugar, soft drinks and fast food. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. Practice portion control and only eat until you’re comfortably full.

Get Moving

When you begin to add exercise to your daily routine, do it slowly. Start walking or doing low-impact exercise a few days per week and gradually increase. People unfortunately have an all-or-nothing attitude toward exercise and this is unwise. Any exercise you add to your life will benefit your heart and overall health, so choose an activity you really enjoy and start slow.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Staying healthy and safe also has a lot to do with the things around you. When you’re out and about, be aware of your surroundings. Take precautions on your commutes by avoiding dangerous settings and paying close attention to hazardous weather situations. Should an injury take place, have emergency numbers close by as well as The Bruner Law Firm injury attorney that will assist you in the case of lost work and wages.

Practice Good Hygiene

In order to avoid getting sick, make good hygiene a regular part of your everyday routine. Wash hands throughout the day to cut down on the risk of spreading germs. At the office, remember to periodically clean your workstation with cleansing wipes and protect others by staying home if you’re sick. If you’re on the road a lot, keep a small container of hand sanitizer in the car.

Avoid Consuming Harmful Substances

Just like eating better, it’s also important to stop purposely putting harmful things into your body. If you smoke, stop. There are a lot of helpful cessation products on the market for you to take advantage of. If you drink, try reducing the amount you consume, or stop drinking altogether. Your body and your wallet will thank you.

Don’t Burn the Candle at Both Ends

So many people are conditioned to work as hard as they can and often try to eke out every second of the day. While this is great for job production, it can get to a point where it’s unhealthy. Burning the candle at both ends can lead to stress and exhaustion which may cause a lowered immune system and weight gain. Know your limits and be kind to yourself. Take frequent breaks and get a good night’s sleep.

Protect Yourself From UV Rays

UV, or ultraviolet rays, from the sun or artificial tanning booths can pose a serious threat. Harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer and damage. It’s imperative to use a high SPF sunscreen every day and avoid laying out in the sun. Abstain from visiting tanning parlors and instead, use a self-tanner or embrace your healthy, paler skin.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

You can solve a myriad of problems by simply drinking more water. Staying hydrated keeps your skin soft and supple. It also helps flush toxins from your body which is good for your kidneys. Drinking water aids in weight loss, too. If you struggle with drinking water, add a slice of lemon, or try a sugar-free drink mix to boost your intake before switching to plain water.

Improve Your Health

Staying healthy and safe is something everybody wants and is mostly a question of using common sense. If you eat healthy, exercise, keep hydrated and stay mindful of risky situations, your health will increase monumentally.