We all know that without a consistent batter we won’t be able to bake a deliciously light, fluffy, and moist cake… Or if our cement isn’t consistent we’ll find ourselves with a lumpy driveway, or uneven tiling… But did you know we need to try to be consistent in different aspects of life to truly live our healthiest, happiest, most active, and enjoyable lives?
Maybe your goals are to lose body fat, gain strength or simply improve your overall fitness?
If so here are 3 areas where I believe being consistency is is the key to a more proactive, productive, and healthier life…
- Sleep
It’s recommended we get at least eight hours of sleep a night, and establishing a regular sleep pattern can do the world of wonders for our overall health.
Studies show people who sleep less than seven to eight hours a night are at far greater risk of chronic illnesses like obesity, heart disease, or stroke.
Trying to fall asleep and wake up at the same time every day can help reduce inflammation while boosting immunity and mood, as well as enhancing performance.
Studies show sleep improves speed, accuracy, and reaction times.
While a lack of sleep has been linked to poor exercise performance and functional limitations, like slower walking, lower grip strength, and greater difficulty performing independent activities.
Being inconsistent with sleeping patterns can cause an overall loss of sleep which can result in weight gain.
Why you ask? Lack of sleep can cause an excess production of a hormone called ghrelin, which in various studies has been shown to increase hunger and could lead to obesity.
- Exercise
After implementing a consistent sleep pattern, we should have much more energy to apply to and to be consistent with an exercise program.
Regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits that can lead to a longer and more fulfilling life.
This includes: Cardiovascular exercise in your program will strengthen your airways, lungs, heart, and vascular system, lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
Strength training will improve bone density while increasing muscle strength, as well as aid in weight loss. Consistent exercise habits will not only lower the risk of osteoporosis but also falls leading to broken bones.
All forms of exercise will improve your metabolism, which encourages efficient elimination of waste, and digestive health.
Results and improvements from partaking in exercise can sometimes be slow and we can lose faith in ourselves and the process.
It is important though that during the tough times that consistency is maintained and don’t ever forget that every little bit of exercise helps you move toward your goals!
- Diet
Consistent, improved eating habits will make you perform better both physically and mentally. And an improved metabolism through consistent exercise will encourage you to eat better! They go hand in hand.
Studies show exercise helps enhance your brain’s resources for executive functions like inhibitory control, making it easier for you to resist unhealthy food.
Eating a wide variety of good fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy, while consuming plenty of water will keep you energised, regular, and in good shape.
(You can read more on healthy eating in our blog about basic nutrition HERE )
Don’t forget to treat yourself every now and again to avoid going mad… But a healthy diet will also improve your sleep, starting the cycle of my top three things that lead to a happier, healthier, more active, and independent life.
Heath Jones is the founder of Active & Ageless and has over 20 years’ experience in the Health & Wellness space.
He holds the following qualifications:
Bachelor of Nursing
Postgraduate in Exercise Science
Diploma of OHS
Cert 3 & 4 Fitness
Cert 4 Training & Assessment
Older Adults trainer
