Healthy changes have massive effects on your health down the road. Simple adjustments like drinking more water and eating healthier or exercising daily can reduce your chances of becoming prone to illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
They also help you boost your mood so that you can feel happier and more stable emotionally.
And starting these changes isn’t as intimidating as you may think. One of the great things about healthy changes is everyone can do them.
No extreme diets or rigorous workout routines. You can start your healthy journey by taking small steps towards a better you.
Small habits that you can easily fit into your busy schedule. We promise you these little changes can turn into life-changing results.
Below we have mentioned five changes that you can start today. Think about how you can apply these to your everyday life.
Change 1: Drink More Water
Our body consists mostly of water, so it will not surprise you that drinking more water brings a lot of positive changes to your body and mind.
For example, staying hydrated helps with energy levels, helps flush out toxins, and keeps your skin glowing. Not to mention how amazing you’ll feel after your body is properly hydrated!
Unfortunately, most people do not drink enough water each day. If you want to start drinking more water, keep a bottle next to you at all times.
By simply having a bottle within reach, you are more likely to take a few gulps here and there throughout the day. You can also try setting an intention to drink a full glass of water before each meal.
These small goals can help you increase your water intake throughout the day.
You can even try adding more water-rich foods into your diet. Snack on some watermelon, cucumber, or oranges to help hit your daily water intake.
As everyone’s body is different, you may need more or less water. Listen to your body and pay attention to when you’re thirsty or feeling dry. Your body will give you clues on how much water you should drink.
Drinking more water is one of the many healthy changes you can start today. By being mindful of your water intake, you’ll start to see improvements in your body and mind.
Read also: 10 Healthy Habits That Can Boost Your Mental Health
Change 2: Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is another great way to better your health. Not only are fruits and veggies packed with vitamins and nutrients, but they also contain fiber, which can help prevent certain diseases.
Eat the rainbow! By eating a variety of fruits and veggies, you ensure that your body is receiving different types of vitamins and nutrients. Dark leafy greens are great for vitamins A and K.
Oranges contain high levels of vitamin C. Add fruit to your breakfast cereal or oatmeal. You can even add them to your yogurt!
Throw some veggies on your lunch sandwich or eat a veggie-packed salad on the side. For snacks, try having whole fruits or cut-up vegetables with hummus.
You can even meal prep! Add fruits and veggies to one of your favorite meals. Try putting them in smoothies, soups, or stir-fries.
Read also: How to Heal Yourself – 5 ways
Change 3: Get Moving
Exercise is another great way to keep your body healthy and functioning properly. Exercising doesn’t just help you maintain a healthy weight, but it also gives you more energy!
Did you know that physical activity can also help keep your mind clear and boost your mood? Choose an exercise that you enjoy so that you can always look forward to moving!
You can go for a walk, bike, run, or play a sport. If you want to feel stronger, try lifting weights or doing body-weight exercises such as push-ups and sit-ups.
Doing yoga and stretching are great forms of flexibility. Pick an exercise that better suits your lifestyle and fitness level.
Make sure you mix it up and do things that you enjoy! You could even schedule days that you want to exercise. For example, you could do yoga on Mondays and go jogging on Saturdays.
There are so many fun groups and challenges you can join on social media as well. Exercising with friends or your family can be a great way to stay active. Don’t forget to have fun with your workout!
Read also: 14 Effective Ways to Truly Heal
Change 4: Get Enough Sleep
Your body needs sleep to function properly. During sleep, your body is healing and recovering from the day’s activities.
Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each night. When you get enough sleep, you will feel less cranky and more productive throughout the day.
Try setting a bedtime routine that you can do each night before you sleep. You could read a book, meditate, or do some stretches.
Doing the same thing each night before bed can help your body know that it’s time to sleep. Try to wake up and sleep at the same time each day.
You want to regulate your body so that waking up and falling asleep becomes natural. If you struggle with sleeping, make sure your room is dark, quiet, and cool.
Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows that will allow you to sleep comfortably all night. Also, try to avoid electronics before bed.
The blue light from your TV and phone can decrease your melatonin levels, which can make it harder to fall asleep. Limit caffeine and avoid eating heavy meals before bedtime.
Change 5: Manage Stress
Last but not least, one of the healthiest changes you can make is finding ways to better manage stress. When you don’t properly manage stress, it can lead to anxiety and depression.
There are many healthy ways that you can help reduce your stress levels and improve your life. Practicing mindfulness is one way to help decrease your stress.
Mindfulness is when you are present in the current moment. Take deep breaths and clear your mind of any thoughts.
Focus on how your body feels or what you’re thinking. Allowing yourself to feel whatever you are feeling without judgment can help you become more mindful.
Take time to check in with yourself each day. Another way to reduce your stress is by practicing deep breathing.
Take a few minutes out of your day to practice some deep breathing. There are many breathing exercises that you can do.
You can try simply taking deep breaths or try the 4-7-8 method. Carve out time during your day to practice your breathing.
It can allow you to feel more relaxed and better able to manage your stress. Try doing some relaxation techniques.
You can try progressive muscle relaxation or guided visualization. Progressive muscle relaxation is when you tense up each muscle group and then relax.
Take notice of how your body feels when you relax each muscle. Guided visualization is when you imagine yourself in a calm and peaceful place.
These are great methods that you can do anywhere!
Put It All Together
When creating your plan to better your health, remember to focus on these three steps: design, prepare, and take action. Start by deciding what you want to change.
Do you want to eat healthier? Maybe you want to move more during the day? Or perhaps you want to focus on bettering your mental health.
No matter what you choose, make sure you create a plan that you can actually keep up with. Once you have picked your five changes, start by making small goals.
If you choose to eat more fruit and vegetables, try cooking one new veggie each week. By slowly incorporating these healthy changes, you are more likely to keep up with your new diet.
Try scheduling what days you want to cook or go to the gym. By putting times into your schedule, you are less likely to skip it.
Life can get busy, so keep track of your progress. You can purchase a journal or use an app on your phone.
Celebrate your accomplishments and give yourself a pat on the back for making positive changes to your lifestyle.
Try to involve others in your journey. Tell your friends and family about your goals and have them join you!
If you’re feeling down or want to quit, they can help encourage you to keep going. Remember, it’s okay to change your plan.
If something isn’t working for you, switch it up! Change doesn’t have to be scary, and by following these steps, you can mold your life into one that includes these 5 healthy changes.
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