If a change in lifestyle is one of your health goals for the New Year it might be wise to take a closer look at where you live. Whether you want to lose weight, increase your fitness activity, drive less to work, or make new friends, the community in which you live is directly related to both your health and the pursuit of happiness.
Improving one’s lifestyle is life-long process and a far cry from a resolution made at the beginning of a new year. While resolutions may work for some, the consensus is that by the end of January they seem to go by the wayside. Rarely do any of us make it through the year with our resolution still intact.
However, making a lifestyle change can be as easy as finding a neighborhood where you belong. And one in which you and your family can grow and thrive. Experts agree that where you live is directly related to how you feel. And that a well-designed neighborhood is an essential element to both positivity and longevity. Here are four noteworthy lifestyle changes that you can make to benefit your health and provide the foundation for life-long happiness.
Daily social interaction is crucial to our well-being
Those living in communities that facilitate social interaction generally have better physical health and a more active healthful lifestyle. Additionally, socially active individuals typically have a lower occurrence of stress, anxiety, and depression. But it’s not all physical. Social interaction also directly influences our mental health. As human beings we have an innate desire to interact with others and seek the support they provide for our mental well-being. Getting to know your neighbors is crucial to living and growing in a community. Though we usually can’t choose our neighbors, we can choose to live in peace and harmony with mutual respect. These days most neighborhoods have their own Facebook pages that keep residents updated on everything from social events to school closings to street construction and so much more. The social connections and information they provide are priceless.
Reducing your daily commute to work equals more leisure time
For many of us just thinking about a long commute to work every day usually congers up all sorts of negativity—particularly stress. Driving during peak times can be stressful. Even more stressful is sitting in traffic. Let’s face it, if given a choice, many of us would choose to live relatively close to where we work, or prefer to have some flexibility to work from home. A shorter commute results in a much happier you and provides much more leisure time with family and friends.
Never underestimate the importance of neighborhood trails
The benefits trails provide are first-rate when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. According to an article by the Rails and Trails Conservancy, trails create both healthy recreation and transportation opportunities for people of all ages. Plus they are safe, usually free and easily accessible. This is especially true for neighborhoods that provide trails for their residents. Whether you like to walk your dog, hike, cycle, or jog, neighborhood trails are extremely convenient. They also help residents stay focused when incorporating a daily exercise routine into their lives. But that’s not all. They also provide economic benefits that may not always seem so visible. Trails in a neighborhood can increase property values and make the community a more attractive place to live. In fact, many homebuyers rank hiking and biking trails as an important amenity when moving to a new community.
Adding a daily exercise routine lowers the risk for health-related incidents
Did you know that individuals that exercise regularly have up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke? But there is so much more. Regular exercise can also lower the risk of type 2 diabetes up to 50% and the same percentage applies to the risk of colon cancer. And it can also reduce the risk of breast cancer up to 20%. The best news is that there are more than just a few ways to fit exercise into your daily life. Walking, running and cycling are excellent choices. However, other forms of exercise such as swimming, dancing, playing tennis and gardening are just as beneficial. Swimming pools, playgrounds, parks, and fitness facilities are just a few of the many amenities that master-planned communities and neighborhoods offer residents.
Travisso—a community for your active lifestyle
Travisso is a place to explore; a place to relax; a place to call home. It’s also a master-planned community nestled in the Texas Hill Country with all the amenities for an active lifestyle. With over 10 miles of planned future trails, natural beauty, and the Palazzo, a 9,200 square-foot award-winning clubhouse, you’ll have everything you need right in your very own backyard. When here explore our premier builders and new model homes. Additional information is available by contacting 512-243-8583.
