With our busy schedules and constant daily stressors, it can be hard to prioritize your health and happiness. Although the busyness can get the best of us, it is important to remember your health should be a priority and not neglect your wellbeing. Here are some simple changes you can make to your life that will make a big difference in your overall physical and mental health.
Get Moving
When you can, opt for walking or bike riding instead of driving to your destination. Most of us spend a considerable amount of time during the day in stationary sitting positions, which not only can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight but can also result in stiff, weak muscles. Take mini-breaks throughout your day to stand up, listen to music as you walk outside in the sunshine, or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Watch Your Portions
American portion sizes are known for being “super-sized.” This affects weight, energy, and can also alter your mood. Even if you are eating healthy foods, if you are consuming them in excess, you can still gain weight and put added stress on your digestive system. An excellent way to make sure you are eating reasonable portion sizes is to eat from small plates and be mindful of your servings. If you dine out often, cut the amount of food served to you in half, eat slowly, and chew your food thoroughly. A great way to do this is to split your plate with a lunch date.
Get Quality Sleep
Getting enough sleep is very important for your overall health. It is during your sleep cycle that your body repairs itself from the stressors it endured during the day and also gives both your body and brain the time it needs to recharge for the next day. Many people neglect sleep, but this can have severe negative impacts on your ability to focus the next day, your cellular health, and overall body functioning. If you have trouble falling asleep try supplementing with magnesium to relax your body and calm your mind. Put your phone and computer away at least an hour before bedtime and try reading to get you into a relaxed state.
Take Five Minutes Out Of Your Day To Meditate
Meditating may seem like a daunting task. However, you don’t need much time to take a few deep breaths and reset your mind. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and also provide clearer thought patterns allowing you to function your best throughout the day. If you have trouble sitting still, try using guided meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.
Stretch
Because of our sedentary lifestyle, stretching plays an essential factor in our wellness regimen. You don’t need to spend a significant amount of time practicing this, but a few stretches throughout the day can do wonders for the body. A few options for helping you do this include investing a stretch strap or taking up a yoga class at the end of your day.
Eat More Plants
A good rule of thumb when it comes to making healthy eating choices is to fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables. Try doing “meatless Mondays” or swapping out your usual lunch for a plant-based salad.
The key to staying healthy is to be mindful about how your actions are affecting your health. This can take some practice if you aren’t used to thinking about wellness regularly. Start with these small, easy life changes, and in no time you will find that you’re feeling happier and more energetic.