There comes a time in everyone’s life where they wake up one sunny morning and realize they maybe aren’t quite as healthy as they should be. And that perhaps that Big Mac wasn’t a great idea for dinner last night. Sound familiar? Well, when that moment strikes it’s the perfect time to take a step back and have a good, long look at your lifestyle choices. Ask yourself, “where can I do a little better?”
A healthy lifestyle, when you make the choice to commit to it, is a slow but steady shift in the way you move, think and live your life each day. So, if you’ve finally accepted that today is the day you’re going to start doing better, then this list of tips for healthy living is an excellent place to start.
Five Healthy Living Hacks
Establish a sleep routine
Sleep is an essential human function that gives your body time to heal, repair and recharge. Benefits of getting in at least seven hours of sweet dreams each night extend to boosting your immune system, combatting weight gain, strengthening your heart and improving your memory. If you struggle to sleep, start by setting yourself a sleep routine so you can be sure you’re clocking in the required hours every day.
Drink more water
Water, like food and sleep, is an essential part of life. So how much water are you drinking, and how much should you be drinking? According to Harvard Medical School you should be aiming for four to six cups each day. Keeping your body hydrated will help your digestion, improve your brain function and protect your joints.
Unclutter your space
Studies have shown that clutter has a detrimental effect on our mental health and energy levels, so a quick and easy way to give your wellbeing a boost is to clear out your space. A clutter-free house makes for a more relaxing home environment and clutter-free work stations allow you to concentrate more on the task at hand.
Eat more vegetables (and do away with take-out)
You probably saw this one coming, and you’ve probably known for a while that steamed broccoli is a far better side than MacDonald’s fries. What you put into your body fuels you, so think about whether you want to run on dirty engine oil or something a little cleaner!
Schedule regular exercise
I know, I know, this is probably the last thing you want to hear. But it’s also probably the first thing you thought you would hear. It should come as no surprise to you that an increase in exercise will do immediate and long-term wonders for your health and wellbeing. You can start simply too, just by taking a 30 or 40 minute walk over your lunch break, or meeting a friend for a game of tennis. Exercise doesn’t have to be horrible. Find something you enjoy!
Hey Joyfreshers, what healthy habits have you added to your life?