
Healthy living isn’t just about eating right and exercising. It also takes into account your mental and spiritual well-being. If you’re ready to live a happier and healthier lifestyle, you don’t need to make big changes or spend a lot of money. With a little motivation and some planning, you can make a series of small, positive changes to improve your well-being.
Here are some tips to help you create a healthier life.
Make social connections
Spend more quality time with friends and family. Friendships can have a big impact on your health. They offer support, boost confidence, increase your sense of belonging, and help reduce stress.
Find new activities
New hobbies and activities can help reduce stress and give you something to look forward to. You might pick an activity that the whole family can enjoy together, such as bike riding or hiking, or find a new hobby to meet like-minded people. Either way, you will raise your happiness quotient.
Create a daily ritual
Set aside 10 – 15 minutes each day to relax and do something you enjoy. Regardless of how hectic your day becomes, ensure that you schedule time for yourself. Knowing you have the time set aside can help reduce anxiety and increase your happiness.
Hydrate
Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout your day. Dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue and decreased mental capacity. Aim for eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
Sleep
In order to function at your best, you need a good night’s rest. Sleep reduces stress, decreases inflammation, and allows cells to re-charge and repair damage. While eight hours of sleep is recommended for most adults, individual needs can vary.
Spend time in nature
Connecting with nature can reduce hypertension, improve cognitive function, and provide a variety of other health boosting benefits. Spend time outside several times a week, even if it’s only for a short amount of time. Go for a walk, plant some flowers, feed the birds, or do whatever brings you joy.
Get rid of clutter
When is the last time you cleaned out your closet? You do not need the broken lamp or the jeans that haven’t fit for several years. Getting rid of excess can reduce stress and ease tension. Plus, your home will look a lot tidier and feel more inviting.
Just say no
When you start to feel overwhelmed or pulled in too many different directions, it’s time to say “no”. You can’t do everything, and it’s OK to decline certain invitations and activities that you don’t have time for. A polite “thank you for asking, but I can’t make it” works just fine.
Make wellness a priority
Eating well, exercising, and seeing your doctor for regular checkups helps keep you healthy. We also recommend that you deal with aches and pains as they creep up. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to bigger issues. If something hurts for more than a couple of days, call us for an appointment.
For more healthy tips, you may enjoy reading Why Sleep is Important for Your Health.