How can I get healthy and clear skin?

Every one dreams of getting a set routine and a balanced lifestyle all day every day (even if its subconsciously) that not only makes us look good but also makes us feel good. For example, eating healthier, working out, taking care of our skin etc. However, let’s face it. These things are easier said than done. Nobody has the kind of patience and time to stick to half of these things that keep doing the rounds on the internet. However, here are certain small and easy tips that you can try and incorporate into your daily routine that will make you feel less guilty about not making any changes and push you one step closer to the kind of lifestyle you want.

1. Every morning after waking up, drink a glass of warm water with some lemon squeezed in it. It’s a great way to kick start your digestion for the day and helps increase metabolism.

2. Incorporate some form of protein in your breakfast- eggs, nut butters, yoghurt etc.

3. Drink at least 2 liters of water.

4. Eat frequently and in moderation. Don’t binge on a bag of chips and then skip lunch out of guilt. That’s totally the wrong way to go about your diet. Instead keep fruits/ tea/ coffee as your healthy snack option.

5. Take a shower. Even if it’s cold outside.

6. Don’t go to bed with a face full of make-up. Always clean your face. Once in the morning, and once before going to bed.

7. Moisturize your face and don’t forget your neck!

8. Take out at least 10 minutes every day to do some kind of a work out. There are plenty short routines available on YouTube. And if that’s not your cup of tea, opt for walking around instead.

9. Go to bed earlier by 1 hour. If you sleep at 12, try going to bed by 11 instead.

10. Leave your mobile phone in the far corner of your room, at least an hour before bed time. Do some book reading, (not anything electronics based) or write in a journal instead. Studies show, mobile phones, TV, and computers emit radiations that are known to cause disturbed sleep and induce stress.

Also Read: How to maintain Healthy Lifestyle?

Yoga has been in the circulation for more than ten thousand years. It is the most famous of the contemplative tradition and the oldest practice to calm your nerves that is found in Rigveda. Yoga takes us again to the Indus-Saraswati civilization. The same civilization that taught us how to remove stress with help of different forms of Yoga in the ancient period.

The oldest Upanishad, also mentioned yoga and its various physical exercises. Upanishad stated that the practice of Pranayama that helps you in inner healing and developing consciousness .Yoga is an ancient Indian way of life to look at bigger pictures and removing stress from your daily life.

Yoga brings the body, mind and soul together and through yoga both body and mind can be completely healthy. It is not only helpful in fighting with diseases, but it can also help in overcoming many mental disorders. Yoga improves the immune system and creates new energy in life. It keeps the body strong and flexible and relieves stress that is essential for everyday life. Along with stress it is helpful to remove obesity, too.

Massage therapy is a time tested healthcare technique which is in practice since centuries. One of the oldest health practices, massage therapy is used extensively in Chinese and Western culture. It was even advocated by Hippocrates, who is considered “the father of medicine”.

The (pseudo) fitness OGs usually bash the existence of fitness apps and wearables. And it sucks on their part, given just how crucial and effective role technology can play in shaping one’s health and fitness level.

Personally, I love mobile fitness apps. From motivating me to helping me keep tab of my health—they help an awful lot.

Sworkit is one of the best fitness apps out there. It packs plenty of workout routine with videos and clear instructions. Very helpful. ‘Lose It!’ is another application that I use to keep track of my diet. I use ‘Down Dog’ for Yoga. And Headspace (of course) for meditation.

Collectively, these 4 apps, along with Apple Health, has been incredibly helpful for me in taking care of my health and improving my fitness level.

Generally speaking, above all, mobile fitness apps help you be conscious of your fitness. Like when you see the app on your phone, it reminds you of working out, eating healthy and taking care of your health. And I think this is one of the most fundamental parts. Unless you know that you have to take care of yourself in the first place, you won’t take essential actions.

Second, these apps provide a roadmap for your workout, diet, and mental health. So, with a clearer plan, you’re more likely to achieve your goals. You don’t have to depend on gym trainers, yoga instructors and dietician (and don’t pay them high). You’re your own master—and this is very important. Your well being lies in your own hands.

And third, these apps are the castle of data (past and real-time). Like how many hours you’re working out every week, how much you’re walking every day, what’s your calorie intake and so forth. These data are presented very visually and interactively. So, a simple glance can help you identify where you stand and what improvements you would need to make.

At large, good mobile fitness apps can play a pivotal role in maintaining your daily fitness routine, helping you achieve your health goals.

So, don’t be a tech-basher. Embrace technology and use these apps to improve your fitness and health.

What importance our kidneys hold in the list of bodily functions need not be told. When not taken proper care of, one can develop Chronic Kidney Diseases and many other kidney related problems.

So lack of concern towards kidney health can cost you very high.

Following are some steps that could be followed to keep our kidneys healthy.

• Exercising and keeping yourself fit is the most basic thing one can do to prevent any kidney disease.

• Blood sugar level and blood pressure should be controlled. Those who are suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure should go for regular checkups to avoid damage to kidneys.

• The quantity of fluid intake should be maintained as water and other fluids help in washing away urea and other toxic substances from our body through kidneys. Excessive intake of fluids, however, can also be harmful.

Also read: How does cystic fibrosis affect the kidney ?

• This should go without saying, avoid smoking. When you smoke, the flow of the blood slows down and the lack of blood in kidneys hampers their functioning.

• In case you have diabetes, hypertension, or obesity, get your kidney function checked on a regular basis.

• To make your kidneys healthy, you should provide them sufficient Sodium, potassium, and Phosphorus by incorporating these minerals in your diet. For this, you should eat cauliflower, blueberries, red grapes, egg whites, garlic, olive oil, cabbage, etc.

Also read: Why global warming harmful for heart, kidneys?

• Avoiding the excessive amounts of vitamin supplement and herbal extracts also keep your kidneys functioning smoothly. As these things are harmful to kidney health.