9 Tips For Living Without Fear

Living fearlessly doesn’t have to mean taking up skydiving or sailing solo around the world. It’s a state of mind that give you the courage to pursue your dreams while making the most of your health and spirit. If you’re ready to live the life you’ve always wanted, check out our Top 10 tips:

1. Know your history. A great way to start tomorrow? Learn about yesterday. Your family history can provide key information for your healthcare provider about your risk for common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and even various types of cancer. Knowledge is power!

2. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Twenty percent of people admit to being procrastinators. Waiting until the last minute can affect not only your wallet (uh oh, late fees) but also your health. Procrastinators often find themselves in compromising situations with little room for error. The result? Unnecessary stress.

3. Make sleep a priority. Not only does sleep give you energy each day, but it also helps you fight the urge to overeat. Getting the right amount of ZZZs increases your levels of ghrelin, a hormone that helps stave off cravings for fatty comfort foods.

4. Get in touch with your inner (health) geek. Make face time with your healthcare provider count. It’s crucial to know which screenings you need and how often, as well as your risk for certain diseases. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and bring your concerns in writing if you tend to get tongue-tied.

5. Make it stick: no more smoking. Lighting up not only increases your risk for heart and lung disease but also stifles your senses of smell and taste. You’ll also have more money in your pocket to spend for fun things that won’t take years off of your life.

6. Sweat like you mean it. Power up for the new you by getting—and staying—in shape. Another benefit: Sweating it out for just 30 minutes a day can lower your risk for heart disease—the No. 1 killer of women—by up to 80 percent.

7. Write it down. Reaching your life goals can start with something as simple as pen and paper. Ready to take a closer look at your diet, for example? We often don’t realize exactly what we’re eating each day; a food journal can help.

8. Take your medication. If you have even a minor health condition and don’t take your medication as prescribed, your disease may continue to progress and actually shorten your lifespan. Speak to your healthcare provider about the suggested dose of each medication—and stick to it.

9. Break that habit. Whether it’s smoking, waiting until the last minute, or even something not listed, let today be the day you make the change. It’s never too late to start anew. You’re in control now. The rest of your life awaits you!