It’s easier than you think to become a healthier person. Sometimes, making lifestyle changes can seem overwhelming, but since it only takes 21 days to start a new habit, you can make a big impact on your own wellness by incorporating a few small changes at a time. These tips are a great way to invest in yourself and prioritize your own self-care.
Watch less television
Not only does watching television influence your worldview and your spending habits, it keeps you from doing healthier, more productive things with your time. If you watch a couple of hours of television each night, that’s taking away from the quality time that you could be spending with your loved ones, or pursuing a hobby that you’re passionate about. Try cutting back to watch only the shows you really enjoy, instead of brainlessly sitting on the couch all evening.
Limit alcohol intake
While some studies show that a moderate amount of alcohol can be good for you, it’s easy to over-indulge. Limit yourself to one alcoholic drink each day, if that, and use a smaller glass to keep yourself from over-pouring. Not only does alcohol contain a ton of empty calories, it’s an expensive habit. By drinking a little bit less, you can save yourself a lot of money and feel much healthier as a result.
Spend time in a sauna
If you are already a gym member, you probably already have access to a sauna that you don’t even use. There are tons of benefits to a sauna, including increased circulation, clearer skin, reduced tension in your joints and muscles, and rejuvenates your mind. Saunas can also stimulate your immune system, making it easier to fight off illnesses like cold and flu. Relaxing in a sauna with friends is a great opportunity for social interaction without the distraction of screens, or a chance to meditate alone while you enjoy a deep, healthy sweat.
Stay active
Exercise is so important for a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity helps keep your body at a healthy weight, and helps reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also improve your memory, boost your self-confidence, reduce stress, and promote good rest. People who exercise regularly have more energy, improved mood, and sleep better than people who don’t – and they have healthy sex lives.
Eat smaller meals more frequently
Not only is this more convenient for someone with an active lifestyle, snacking throughout the day instead of eating three large meals is a lot easier on your body. Big meals are more difficult to digest, and can often leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. Conversely, eating smaller meals throughout the day keeps your body functioning more efficiently – burning more calories and increasing your metabolism. It’s also a much simpler way to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs in a day – as long as you’re not snacking on unhealthy foods like chips or candy bars. Find snacks that are high in protein and low in fat to gain the most benefit from this “grazing” style of eating.
Get enough rest
Your physical health depends heavily on the quality of your sleep. Sleep gives your body a chance to grow muscle and repair damaged tissue. But is also important for your brain. Overnight, the brain processes information and consolidates it from your short-term memory to long-term memory. Without this opportunity, your brain will have a more difficult time with problem solving and retaining information. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. While children and teenagers, who are actively growing and learning, need anywhere from eight to eleven.
Even these seemingly small changes can make a big impact on your overall health, if you can stick with them. Set goals, make yourself accountable, and be realistic about what you can accomplish. Maintenance is the most important and the hardest part of any lifestyle change. So try taking on one or two of these tips at a time to make sure it truly becomes a life-long habit. So they can keep you healthy for years to come!
