January 15, 2021
5 Quick Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle
- Staying Active: An active lifestyle does not mean you have to go to the gym for multiple hours a day, 7 days a week! Simply adding a walk outside for 20-30 minutes or performing light yard work / house cleaning will help you burn extra calories throughout the day and elevate your heart rate a little bit.
- Eating: Many factors play into healthier eating habits but balance and portion size are key. You can still enjoy a cheat meal or dessert once in a while, but do not make it a habit every day. Simple choices such as having 1 cookie instead of 4 or enjoying that cookie with a salad prior will help improve your health. Additionally, when planning your meals, make sure you are having a balanced diet with appropriate portion sizes of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Resting/Sleeping: You often hear that you should be achieving 6-8 hours of sleep, which is true, but sleeping for 8+ hours does not mean you wake up and feel rested. Setting a bedtime routine is important for good sleeping habits. Activities such as reading, setting aside time to meditate, and/or reducing screen time prior to sleeping will help your body naturally promote a relaxed state. This will then allow you to wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
- Drinking water: You have probably heard plenty of times that drinking water is important… and it is! Over half of your body is made up of water, and it is vital to stay hydrated so that all of your organs function properly. Also, there are no calories in consuming water, which is much better than sugary sodas and juices. Staying hydrated will also help decrease food cravings and hunger between meals!
- Mental Health: Mental health is a hot discussion topic these days and is very important to overall health and well being. One way to improve mental health is to simply have gratitude. Starting off the day by naming 3 things you are thankful for can improve your mood for the rest of the day. Additionally, setting aside time for self reflection or meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially during these crazy times.