The simple truth is that most of us aren’t living our best or healthiest life – through no fault of our own. We live in a world that is go, go, go but often at the expense of our own mental and physical health. But how can we slow it down and get the most out of our bodies, and out of our lives? In this article, we’re going to take a quick look at simple changes we can make to live healthier.
Make Exercise a Priority
While this list is in no particular order, it makes sense to start with the obvious. Today, most people live sedentary lives where they sit behind computer screens at work (and even at home) and have the whole world at their finger tips when they’re on their phones. The first step to living healthier is to live more active.
Now, that doesn’t mean you have to become a marathon runner or a bodybuilder. We all have different fitness levels and motivations. It’s important to find the exercise level that’s right for you, and a routine that you’ll able and willing to stick to. That may be going for regular walks or jogs. Or it could be going to the gym three to five days per week.
Be More Active Each Day
I struggled with whether or not I should combine this with making exercise a priority, but I ultimately decided to make being more active its own tip. Why? Because being active doesn’t necessarily mean exercising or working out. There are small changes all around us that can help us be more active. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Taking a quick break and walking around the block at work. Or walking to store instead of driving.
Take a look at your life and think about the small changes you can make that could have a large impact on how active you are. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to be more active, and the results that come from it.
Plan to Eat Healthy
One of the biggest causes for unhealthy lifestyles is the simple fact that it has become so easy to eat unhealthy meals. We are surrounded by unhealthy options, from processed foods at restaurants to nearly every isle of the grocery store. It’s very easy to grab foods that just aren’t good for us.
Taking a little time to plan our meals and check the nutrition facts of the foods we buy can go a long way with allowing us to eat healthier and live healthier. Start with the “go-to” foods and snacks you often buy at the grocery store. Take a look at the nutrition facts and the ingredients and see just how healthy or unhealthy they are.
Find a Support System
Any goal is easier to achieve when you have support. Surround yourself with family or friends that want to be healthier and you’ll be amazed at how much easier it will become. Suddenly, you’ll have accountability and a higher level of desire to follow through, eat healthier meals, get that workout in, and simply live a healthy lifestyle.
Pro tip: Finding support will also allow you to share meal planning duties. Just alternate meal planning weeks or days and greatly reduce your preparation time.
Get Your Rest
It’s well documented how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. This is the time where your body can experience calmness, recover from the day and prepare for the next one. Skimping on sleep can be hectic for the human body. And sustained lack of sleep can cause all sorts of problems. If you aren’t getting at least 8 full hours of sleep, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice!
And while length of sleep is important, it’s just as important to get on a schedule. Over time, your body adjusts to the way you live. If you’re going to bed and waking up at different times regularly, it’ll be tough for your body to get on a schedule and be ready for the challenges it’ll face.
Don’t Forget About Your Mental Health
While mental health awareness has come a long way over the last few years, it’s still a distance second to physical health. Don’t be afraid to give yourself time to relax and recover, not only physically but also mentally. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, treat yourself to a “me day” and make sure you’re taken care of.
Yoga and meditation are great options to consider if you feel you really need to work on your mental health. Both options will give you a chance to get away, relax and focus on yourself.
Don’t Be Afraid of White Coats
I am, without a doubt, someone who has an issue with this. I avoided doctors and dentists for a long time simply because of the fear that something could be wrong. I know others who think they’re young and don’t need to see a doctor. But I’ve learned that it’s important to have a regular physician who can keep track of your health over time.
Regular checkups every six to nine months can uncover problems that would otherwise lay in wait. The sooner potential health issues can be identified, the sooner they can be treated and the healthier you will be.
Drink More Water
It’s important to consume water throughout the day, because we lose it throughout the day. Water allows the body to function properly. From protecting our organs and tissues to carrying nutrients and oxygen to our cells, water is necessary.
And when you increase your activity level, you’ll begin to lose even more water. The side effects of being underhydrated can have devastating impact on the human body. So, how much water do you need to drink each day? The general consensus is eight to 10 glasses, which amounts to two to three liters. That may sound like a lot, but it’s the equivalent to only about a cup every two hours that you’re awake.