Healthy habits are essential to quality living so you can avoid frequent trips to the doctor. The pharmacists at Columbia Hickory Pharmacy in Maryland are here to offer some tips on healthy habits to practice. Wellness isn’t something you can buy in cure-all supplements and subscription meal plans—it requires planning and dedication based on your lifestyle.

Whether you’re following trends or personalizing your own routine, integrating wellness practices have both short- and long-term payoffs that can benefit every aspect of your life for years to come.

A Pharmacy Explains 5 Habits for Healthy Living

1. Get 30 Minutes of Exercise Every Day

Everyone knows this, yet just over 20% of American adults get the recommended amount of daily exercise. It’s important to start slow—you don’t need to jog three miles on your first day. Personalize your daily plan. Walking with friends, playing sports, and spending some time in the gym are all great options. Regular exercise can help prevent conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, that are becoming epidemics in the U.S.

2. Add a Vegetable to Each Meal

Dedicating yourself to a green-based diet is difficult. People often dislike the taste of vegetables, but they’re important since they provide essential nutrients. Most vegetables are not only low in calories but also energize and encourage weight loss. Starting out, get creative and find a way to fit at least one into your next meal.

3. Up Your Water Intake

Specialists at your local pharmacy recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses each day; this can help speed up your metabolism, flush fats and toxins from your system, and keep you from eating to occupy your time. And don’t forget—it contains zero calories.

4. Brush & Floss Twice a Day

Poor oral health can promote the growth of gum disease, which produces bacteria that can enter the bloodstream. This can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Remember, you’re not just protecting your smile—you’re also protecting your heart.

5. Get the Right Amount of Sleep

Sleep is one of the most essential factors for healthy living. On average, you need six to 10 hours of rest each night depending on your lifestyle. This gives the body time to relax and regenerate.

Reorganizing your lifestyle to include healthy habits isn’t something that happens overnight. A “baby steps” approach can help you ease into the process until it becomes second nature, and you’ll begin feeling the effects almost immediately. Pharmacists at Columbia Hickory Pharmacy can help advise you on healthy practices, so visit their website and Facebook page to learn more. Call them today at (410) 964-6409 and get on track to improving your quality of life.