Simple things to get healthier right now.
I truly believe that health should be empowering, abundant and help you feel self-love. Anything that feels restrictive, depriving or unhappy is anything but “healthy.” Learn to love your body and start giving it what it needs.
Here are 10 easy things you can start doing today to become a whole lot healthier without even trying.
1. Drink water
We all know the importance of it but so often fail to do it. Drinking a glass of water is the easiest thing you can do to make your body much more healthier in a few minutes. We know that water is crucial for staying hydrated and healthy, but water actually has other benefits too; greasing your joints, removes toxins, normalizes digestion and reduces the risk of a heart attack. You can even add a little extra boost to your water by adding some lemon (promotes digestion and loaded with vitamin C) or mint (improves brain function and relieves indigestion).
2. Adjust your posture
Sitting or standing up straight with your shoulders back activates your back, arms, and core muscles. Your posture is the foundation of every movement your body makes and a good posture is the key for optimizing breathing, preventing injuries, improving your mood and it even makes you look better. Whenever you remember throughout the day, roll your shoulders back and sit/stand up tall and just adjust your body. You can even set reminders to sit up taller to remind yourself throughout your day.
3. Go for a walk and be outside
Walking is not only good for your physical health but your mental health as well. Taking a walk increases your heart rate, strengthens muscles and doesn’t even feel like a workout. Walking can also be a form of meditation, a way to get inspiration, clear your mind and boost your happiness vibes. Maybe go for a walk on your lunch break or after dinner. Heading outside and going for a walk is also a great way to socialize and have a great conversation.
4. Put the phone down
(Well maybe after you've read this). We spend most of our waking moments (and even some of our unconscious ones) tethered to our smartphones and computers. We have become immune to the social customs of our lives pre-cellphone era, and though I don't think there's anything wrong with enjoying this phenomenal technology that we use for scrolling the web, having a break from our screens will allow us to be more productive, less stressed and savor that current moment.
5. Exfoliate
Though I typically focus on inner heath, it is also super important to take care of our outer health too. Removing dry and dead skin cells off the surface of our bodies is one of the most important aspects of our skincare routine. When you exfoliate you are increasing the blood circulation and lymphatic system which is very beneficial for your body, it helps encourage new skin cells, breaks down fatty tissues, and drains toxins from the skin.
6. Sleep
Go to sleep 30 minutes earlier tonight. I always nag about the importance of sleep (I even have a whole blog post about it, here's the link).
So to me and a bunch of scientist, sleep is the most important thing you can do for your health. And this doesn't mean laying in bed all day, this means making sure you prioritize sleep, because regular, good quality sleep is important for brain functioning, emotional well being, physical health, daytime performance and personal safety.
7. Stretch
Stretching isn't just something you should do if you workout, it's excellent for your overall health as well. Taking a stretch break or adding some stretches into your morning/night routine will actually help prevent injuries, manage pain, improve endurance, it will help you stay balanced, and counteract the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time. Let's all commit to doing some (more) stretching every day.
8. Take your time when you eat
We seem to be a part of this "over-rushed" adulthood; a group of people who never seem to have enough time to complete that long list of tasks or even sit down at a table to eat properly. It’s so easy to get into the habit of eating on-the-go or behind a screen when life gets busy, but taking time to thoroughly chew your food and eat slowly is better for your digestion. Rushing through meals has had a negative effect on your waistlines and your health. One of the most effective steps you can take to being healthier and leaner, is to slow down at meal time.
9. Clear the clutter
Pantry, closet, fridge, (people?). It's true that clutter comes with a lot of baggage, both literally and figuratively. We can feel stressed at the lack of organization, guilty that we aren't using what we own plus it's annoying to look at. Getting rid of the clutter is quite the chore, but it can have profound effects on other areas of your life; quicker and easier to clean up and keep tidy, time saved by being able to find things more easily and being more mindful of a purchase.
10. Take a breather
We are all aware that every part of our body needs oxygen to survive; even thinking. Breathing deep and slowly instantly calms us down, clears our thoughts and relaxes the body. Concentrating on our breathing, also helps us to live in the present and feel alive. (Here's a link to my blog I wrote about the importance of breathing)
Now put your phone down, correct your posture, take a deep breath, stretch out your arms and drink some water, you're half way there.
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