We are continually bombarded with tips and advice on how to live a healthier life. Many of us end up doing nothing because we are overwhelmed by making a change! Here are 10 simple and some not quite traditional tips to start improving your health and well-being.
1. Preparation:
Preparation may not sound like traditional health advice, but it really is the foundation on which to build good habits, which then determine your results. Grab a notebook and start “predicting your future” by creating an action plan that involves all areas of your life. Think about what parts of your life are not working and write down practical strategies to get closer to your goals.
For example, exercise three times a week, eat more than 5 fruits and vegetables each day (write down what foods and when), and monitor my stress levels by reading for an hour each day.
This tip is about making sure you know exactly what you need to do to achieve your goals.
2. Responsibility
Every time we start a new habit or routine, it may take a push to get started. I don’t like using the words willpower and motivation because they are such fickle emotions that they can fluctuate from day to day. We don’t need willpower to brush our teeth every morning, nor do we need to to have healthy habits!
It is important to clarify your goals first with an action plan and then go into it. I recommended finding a professional to help you formulate an action plan and hold you accountable. This really helps, especially until the habit takes over.
3. Avoid “diets”
Who hasn’t heard of the cabbage soup diet or tried some crazy diet that eliminated 90% of their usual foods! Dieting or following an eating plan that drastically deviates from your normal eating habits will lead to failure. Yes, in the short term you can lose a few kilos. But I guarantee you that in a few weeks after quitting your “diet” you will regain all, if not more, weight than before. The fact is that “diets” are not pleasant or convenient, therefore they are not sustainable. We really know what “good” foods are, but due to lack of time and knowledge on how to prepare some foods, we cut corners. Try to start introducing more “good” foods into your diet.
4. Eat well
Along with tip 3, it is important to fuel your body with the proper nutrients. Try to eat a hearty breakfast that is rich in protein, a small serving of carbohydrates, and some fat. Example; 2 eggs, whole wheat toast and 2 small tablespoons of avocado. This type of breakfast will keep you going through the morning. Eat every 3-4 hours or depending on your body. Some people prefer diets that are high in protein, as this helps them feel more energetic, and some want lighter meals. Talk to a professional for additional help.
5. Cardiovascular exercise
No healthy action plan is without exercise! Exercise is very important to living an energetic life, aging better, and being healthier. It can affect all areas of your life, including your stress levels, sleep patterns, and digestion. Experiment with various forms of exercise to see which one is right for you. Try to do some form of cardio every day, resistance training, and flexibility exercises several times a week (stretching or yoga) so that you can build a healthier body.
6. Sleep
Since most of us lead extremely busy lives, it is often sleep that is sacrificed so that we can focus more on our day. Reducing the quantity and quality of sleep can lead to a weakened immune system and make you more prone to lightheadedness, illness, and increased stress. Most adults need 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep per night. You judge how much makes you feel alert and vibrant the next morning. Make sleep a priority by allowing yourself time to relax at the end of each night in a way that suits you best.
7. Digestion
Digestion is truly the cornerstone of good health. If you don’t have good digestion, your body can’t absorb the nutrients from your food. A healthy gut can prevent disease and help you feel and look healthier. If you are constipated, you may suffer from headaches and even muscle and joint pain. Your digestive system communicates with other parts of your body and has a significant impact on your overall health. If you feel like you’re stuck, gradually start increasing the fiber in your diet. Drink 1.5-2 liters of water a day to help get things moving and start looking for areas in your life that are contributing to an unhappy gut. Stress, distracted eating, certain foods, and lack of exercise can be to blame.
8. Stress
Stress in general can be healthy for us as it pushes us to keep moving forward and achieve our goals in life. Ongoing stress, on the other hand, can cause anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and fatigue when running wild. Stress can come in many forms; snapping at your partner, waking up at 3am every night, feeling tired after 8 hours of sleep, feeling depressed or just “blah.”
I’m not going to suggest that you soak in a bubble bath or give yourself a massage to stop stress, as these are not long-term solutions. The solution lies in examining your lifestyle and assessing which areas of your life feel out of control. Our happiness in life is in direct proportion to the amount of control we feel we have over our lives. If you are stressed about being overweight, do something about it! If a relationship leaves you exhausted and unhappy, then you must make a drastic decision for your long-term health. Stress management is an ongoing process of managing your lifestyle so that you have a sense of control.
9. Relationships
More and more studies show that for humans to be healthy and happy, we need to build strong supportive networks and relationships. Having friends is good for our health! Take time each day to connect with your partner, children, and / or friends. As women, we actually release endorphins (happy hormones) from having good gossip.
10. Action and perseverance
Being armed with great tips and techniques is all well and good, but unless you really do what you learn and do it consistently, then you are no different than if you didn’t know these things in the first place!
Choose a few tips to incorporate into your life little by little. The more consistent you are, the better your long-term results will be.
Nalisha patel