Whether you are the CEO of a company or a stay at home mom, making the choice to live a healthy lifestyle is vital to the people that depend on you and an act of self love. Sometimes this can be difficult when leading a busy life but there are simple steps that can be taken to improve your quality of life.
Water, water, water
Eight glasses a day has been recommended by the Institute of Medicine as the amount of water one should drink. But even just replacing one sugary drink a day with a bottle of water or unsweetened tea can make an impact. Research published in Diabetologia has shown that when a serving of any sweet drink was replaced with water the risk of diabetes can be cut about 14%. Drinking water can also help with losing weight as it makes you feel a little fuller without the added calories. According to newhealthguide.org, water helps your body balance fluids, improve skin condition, lubricate joints and deliver nutrients to the body to list a few.
2. Make the conscious effort to eat better
While you’re replacing one sugary drink a day with water, go ahead and also replace one sugary, processed food with a natural, more healthy choice. Make the extra effort to pack a lunch a couple times a week instead of stopping at the nearest fast food restaurant. When you eat better, you’ll have more energy to spend time with the kids or get more work done.
3.Take a little time for yourself
Twenty minutes. Once a day. Everyday. Sometimes that can seem hard when life can get so hectic but it’s essential for overall well-being. One can choose to do anything that’s light and easy during this time even if it’s just relaxing on the couch. But what’s important is to check in with the body and mind. Ask questions like, “How am I doing today?”, “What’s bothering me?” and “What is making me happy right now?”
4. Walk
Not everyone has time or is even able to hit the gym everyday or run five miles but even small steps like walking a few minutes everyday can make a difference. Taking a walk in the morning, during your lunch break or at night after dinner can help to improve circulation, mood and help with weight management. Bonus points if you choose to walk outside because then you gain a little extra vitamin D.
5. Unfriend Facebook for awhile
Social media has made a positive impact on society in many ways, however, too much of it can have a negative impact on your health. Medical News Today reported on a UK study that suggested the use of sites like Facebook and Twitter could feed a person’s anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Using Facebook can even make a person miserable said another study done by social psychologist Ethan Cross at the University of Michigan. So, put down the phone and close the computer. You’ll thank yourself later.