Healthy Habits For 2020
Drum English|23 January 2020
They don’t cost a cent but their benefits can last a lifetime. All you need is a little bit of discipline
Annelize Visser
Healthy Habits For 2020

Good daily habits are the buil­ding blocks of a healthy lifestyle, and a healthy lifestyle has benefits both now and in the future.

In the short term, it ensures you get more out of life because you feel energetic and positive. It helps to protect against life­ style diseases and safeguards mental health.

“A daily routine of good choices is absolutely key to overall health,” says Dr. Marike Ransome from The Family Doctor in Ron­ debosch, Cape Town.

The word “routine” may sound intimidating, so keeping things basic but consistent is impor­tant.

“We all need to slow down and aim for balance and that means making good choices every day,” she adds.

BE AN EARLY BIRD

Being ahead of the clock is the best defence against a morning routine that leaves you feeling rushed.

If there are little ones to get ready for school, they will also benefit from a smooth start to their day.

Helpful hint Set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier and don’t hit the snooze button. Snoozing adds to fatigue.

REFUEL

“A healthy breakfast helps to kick­ start your energy levels for your body and your mind,” says a report by the Heart and Stroke Found­ation South Africa.

“It will help you stay alert and keep your concentration levels up until lunch­ time, and it can even help to improve your memory.”

Helpful hint Save time by preparing the meal and table the night before, and try to ensure that the breakfast is filling and nutritious.

MORNING HYDRATION

No, we don’t mean tea or coffee, although a cup or two will do you no harm.

This story is from the 23 January 2020 edition of Drum English.

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This story is from the 23 January 2020 edition of Drum English.

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