Written by: Ivan Lam Cheng Xu (Sec 2G, 2023)
Staying healthy is a very broad and expandable topic since there are many ways to stay healthy. But what exactly is staying healthy? It basically refers to meeting all of the daily needs of your body in order for it to function properly. You can stay healthy by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and having a good amount of sleep.
Let’s start off on how to stay healthy through exercise. In order to stay healthy, you need to constantly move your body. If you do not, you are at risk of getting diseases that make you unable to walk, think or just function properly. Exercise is the perfect way to get yourself moving! By exercising, you put stress and pressure on your body. As a result, your body will start to release toxins by sweating. If you keep those toxins in your body, it won’t be good for your body and you will be at risk of long term illnesses.
I’m pretty good for a 14 year old. Everyday before school, I would force myself out of bed at 5 in the morning, put on my running gear and go for a 45-minute jog. I never skipped a day of cardiovascular exercise. By the time I come home, I would be panting and fully drenched in sweat. My legs would be sore to the point where I could no longer walk. I’m a very motivated person. What keeps me motivated is the fact that I’m doing it for my body. I want to live a good and long life without any worries of illnesses.
I would also go to the gym during my free time for a good 2 hours workout. Every single part of my body is worked out. On some occasions, I would go for some morning yoga sessions at my usual park for some stretching. Along with playing some table tennis or going swimming with my family, my lifestyle is mostly perfect. There are minimal to no flaws. I know that my lifestyle is hardcore and not everyone can easily adapt to it. But you can start off small by going swimming every weekend with your family and friends or just go for a run.
If you’re wondering what I eat on a normal week, I have a pretty strict diet. Every morning before my run, I would open the fridge door and get myself some nice wholegrain oats along with fresh milk, some raisins and nuts. This is basically my breakfast every day of the week to start off my day with a boost. For lunch, it is mostly wholegrain rice with meat, fish and a side of vegetables. It has all the nutrients you need even though it is nothing special. For dinner, I would treat myself to some chocolate or ice cream after my meal of chicken with rice. That is what I eat on a daily basis, nothing more and nothing less. My diet is rich in proteins, fibre and carbohydrates, which basically help keep my body running.
Sleep is of utmost importance. I believe it is important to get at least 8 hours of sleep. I would personally go for 9 hours of sleep. It is usually lights-out for me by 8pm. When we sleep, we repair processes in our body that have been working the entire day. It is a time when our body restores itself so that we can be ready to fight the next day.
In summary, if you want to lead an average type of healthy lifestyle. You can also choose to keep it simple. Any form or amount of exercise is good for your body. Eat healthily. Lastly, sleep well. That is how you stay healthy!
MJR World of Words 