According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, renewal is defined as “the state of being made new, fresh, or strong again: the state of being renewed.” Renewing yourself benefits both physical and mental health, and may even extend years onto a healthful life. In fact, implementing renewing techniques has shown to lengthen telomeres, the protective endings on chromosomes touted to fight against disease and aging. So this National Renewal Day, take control over personal welfare to fund a happier, healthier, and longer life!
National Renewal Day
Falling annually on May 4th, National Renewal Day was strategically placed in the spring to reinvigorate us from a longer winter season. But the national holiday can mean much more than a day of spring cleaning, but the chance to refresh our physical and mental wellbeing. Did you slip into the comfort of food during the cool months? Or perhaps lost connection with a close friend? While every day poses the opportunity to care for the body and telomeres, National Renewal Day encourages your renewed start!
Your Renewed Day
According to The Telomere Effect, telomere health can be compromised when the body is vulnerable and under high stress. And while the effects of day-to-day choices are not well-known, chronic behavior of consuming a poor diet, living a sedentary lifestyle, and mismanaging stress may shave off years of a healthy life. But making small, renewing changes can result to lengthier telomeres, so try renewing your day with the following telomere-supporting behaviors:
Rather than waking up stressed…
…wake up thankful. There is much to be thankful over, including the sole purpose you are alive. Focus attention on what the day can bring, rather than stressful events that may occur.
Rather than hitting the snooze button…
…enjoy a morning workout and healthy breakfast. Use the morning time to get ahead of the game, rather than snoozing it away. Tackling a quick workout and preparing a healthy, protein-packed meal are just a couple ways to kick off a healthful day.
Rather than eating quickly during your lunch hour…
…use the time for you. Instead of trying to scarf down lunch only to move onto the next work task, simply enjoy your meal by practicing mindful eating techniques. Use your lunch hour as “you” time, relishing in a flavorful meal and taking a walk to prompt energy for the rest of the workday.
Rather than stressing out over a large workload…
…tackle one task at a time. Although a large workload may be stressful, take one task at time. People who focus attention on the task in front of them are suggested to contain longer telomeres compared to sporadic mind-wanderers.
Rather than snacking on a bag of chips…
…ask yourself if you are really hungry. Individuals tend to snack when bored rather than based on pure hunger. Instead of walking to the kitchen, take a walk outside or another distracting task. And if hunger still strikes, snack on the combination of protein and fiber, including peppers and hummus, apple slices and peanut butter, and berries and Greek yogurt.
Rather than running through the drive thru following a long work day…
…practice meal prepping on the weekends. The practice of meal prepping facilitates good eating practices by having nourishing meals on hand. Prepped meals lessens the risk of tempting drive thru runs and helps individuals stick to health goals. Find a beginner’s guide to meal prepping here, along with recipes and ideas.
Rather than sitting down in front of the television for hours…
…go outside. Getting sucked into television can push out other healthful activities in your evening, including getting active with family. Turn off the TV, and other electronics, and go outside; take the dog on a walk, play a round of family kickball, or ride your bike around the neighborhood.
Rather than going to bed anxious…
…manage stress. Taking anxiety and stress to bed with you can hither adequate sleep cycles and cause individuals to initially feel restless and irritable, with long-term effects causing potential and significant health concerns. Manage stress by practicing yoga and meditation, taking a long bath, reading a book, and disconnecting from social media outlets leading up to bedtime.
