Published on April 25th, 2023
You only have one body, and how you treat it can impact many facets of your life. From digestion to muscle tone to mental health, the choices you make matter.
There are lots of reasons you might want to improve your health. Perhaps you’ve had a major health scare or need to shed some pounds to ward off diabetes. Or maybe you just want to feel better in your own skin.
Though boosting your health can seem like a daunting undertaking, fear not. Getting more exercise and sleep are simple, low-cost steps you can take. Making changes to your diet is also impactful.
From small changes to large, there are several easy ways to help increase your overall health and well-being. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Focus On Nutrition
What you put in your body has a direct correlation to how you feel and your overall health. Remember, it’s what you do consistently that counts.
If you predominantly eat nutrient-dense foods and focus on controlling calories, one weekend donut won’t wreck you.
However, if you mostly eat donuts and the green salad is an outlier, you might not feel great. Working toward a less processed and more balanced diet will raise your immunity and give you more energy.
If you struggle to like veggies or eat enough daily servings, try a super greens powder. Having a daily smoothie is a great way to up your nutrient intake.
Swapping water for soda and other sugary drinks is another health-boosting tactic. An abundance of water will both keep you hydrated and help with your overall digestion.
2. Add In Small Habits
Small habits really add up when it comes to your health. As with most things in life, what you focus on is where you make progress.
You can fall into habits that aren’t that great for you, or you can build positive ones. For example, after work you can instantly crash on the couch until it’s time to order takeout. Or you can decide that every day after work, you’ll go outside for 30 minutes.
Choosing to always take the stairs versus the elevator is also a health hack if your body is able. Having a glass of water and a Greek yogurt each morning will make good nutrition routine.
Eventually, your positive actions will become automatic if you continue them over a period of time. Habit building may not be as glamorous as a spa visit, but small actions add up to huge impact over time.
3. Dedicate Time To Movement
As King Julien, the dancing lemur from “Madagascar” puts it: “I like to move it, move it!” — and you should, too. The human body isn’t meant to be sedentary.
In fact, sitting all day can have negative health results on par with smoking. You may not be able to do your job without modern technology, but it can take a toll on your body.
Find ways to dedicate time to movement every day. Even 30 minutes of walking daily can aid in your overall well-being. It’s also important to get up and move a little and stretch every so often throughout your work day.
Set periodic timers so you don’t just sit for eight hours straight at your desk. And when you must sit, an ergonomic work setup will keep your body functioning at its best.
4. Step Away From Screens
As you find ways to add in movement, here’s one to try: stepping away from screens. Not only do they cause eye strain, but constantly being on your devices keeps you from engaging with the world around you.
Make family dinners device-free and engage in full-attention eye contact with your loved ones. Set the laptop down after work so you can be fully present.
Even if you are single, designate some screen-free time for your own mental health. Reading and doing crossword or jigsaw puzzles can be enjoyable and enriching resets.
Going for hikes or listening to a podcast can be a nice change of pace. If you’re at an event or with friends and family, limit time on your phone as well.
5. Get Quality Sleep
Like drinking enough water, getting quality sleep is another area of health that is often overlooked. Your body needs sleep to function. Sufficient sleep allows you to perform at your best.
It can help with mood, weight stabilization, and mental health. Your body needs sleep to heal itself overnight.
When working on developing healthy habits, add high-quality slumber to your list. Having a consistent bedtime and waking time puts your body into a good rhythm.
If you have trouble getting to sleep, consider whether your sleep environment is at fault. Replacing a lumpy mattress or installing light-blocking curtains may help. If you suspect sleep apnea might be an issue, talk to your doctor.
Making Changes For The Better
When you’ve been stuck in a fitness rut for a while, working toward a healthier life can seem like an impossible undertaking.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be if you take the easy steps outlined in this article. Small things add up! Choosing to turn off the TV an hour earlier or walk a bit each day can move things in a positive direction.
The great thing is, you are in control — but you’re not in it alone. From step trackers to online fitness communities to your healthcare team, there is lots of support available to you.
So keep working to boost your health and well-being. You deserve to feel great in your own body.
