Photo courtesy of JinonKong
In today’s world our schedules are unfortunately constructed to where we barely have time to even breathe, let alone exercise, yet that doesn’t diminish the fact that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential in living a happy and well-rounded life. Fortunately this can be easier than many believe it to be. The following are 10 simple ways in which you can life a more healthy life.
Walk:
Get out and walk. Go on a stroll through the park, walk your dog, explore an unknown path. Make it a habit to walk at least an hour a day. Walking is often overlooked as it is such a simple exercise yet it provides numerous benefits such as, better overall well being, stronger bones, mental clarity, and it promotes weight loss.
The best thing about walking is that you don’t need anything but a good pair of shoes to do it (depending on the type of person you are even that might not be necessary.) It is no coincidence that the majority of centenarians on record have had a vigorous walking program embedded in his or her every day life. With all the great benefits walking provides one would have to be a fool not to take advantage of nature’s greatest exercise.
Get Outside:
Does this sound familiar? Its a beautiful Saturday afternoon, not a single cloud in sight, yet you remain closed off in your office or bedroom surfing the net or watching television , all the while you could be outside soaking up the sun increasing your overall well being by just being outside.
Just being outside forces you to be active. Play ball with your kids, start a neighborhood BBQ, just sit outside and meditate if you so choose.
Water:
Drink lots and lots of it. Many of today’s aliments, dry mouth, dizziness, cramps, and headaches, are all attributed to lack of water. One should aim to drink at least 64 oz a day at the very least. If your “thirsty” you are already too late. Water is essential in fueling your body.
Try to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. Drinking water makes you feel refreshed and keeps you alert. It also stimulates weight loss.
Fruit Smoothies:
Drinking fruit smoothies can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your body. One smoothie packs loads of antioxidants and essential nutrients for your body. Smoothies can be used to get your daily requirements for nutrients. I am not very fond of banana’s but I will usually throw one or two in my smoothie with no problem.
Rememeber smoothies will pack a fair amount of calories so be sure to take that in consideration.
Stretch:
Stretching is often overlooked; yet those who stretch know the benefits first hand. Stretching keeps your mind and body lose, all the while reducing the likely hood of injury. Stretching makes it easier for your body to “flow” increasing ones energy and overall being.
Stretching has also been reported to make the bedroom more full filling. I personally spend 15 minutes each morning stretching, it not only wakes me up, but helps start my day in a peaceful state of mind.
Sports:
Sports have been keeping people in shape for centuries. Sports give people a reason to stay in shape while providing them the opportunity to be called top dog. Competitiveness is a natural desire that makes the world go round. Luckily sports are also rather enjoyable. Try to sign up for a community league in which you play once or twice a week.
Sports will keep you in tiptop shape and is a medium in which you can release that natural competitive edge, perhaps lowering your stress levels as well. You would be surprised at the benefits of playing with people the same age of you. A fun and simple way to stay fit.
Deep breathing:
Personally I believe this is one of the best ways to increase overall well being. So often we take the benefits of deep breathing for granted. Deep breathing will allow our body to run more efficiently thus improving our state of mind. It’s no surprise that cultures throughout the history of the world have placed such high emphasis on meditation . Some say deep breathing is essential in living a healthy life.
Take a good 10 minutes out of your day to just sit and relax, focusing only on your breath. Let your mind be a filter for all your thoughts, just be. Don’t be surprised if by deep breathing your “worries” seem to float away.
I personally start my morning with deep breathing, which allows me to begin my day in a positive state of mind.
Eat Slowly:
It’s a shame so many miss out the benefits of eating slowly. While eating slow not only do you actually enjoy the food instead of merely ingesting it, you finish with a feeling of contentment rather the feeling of being full. Eating slowly also promotes wait loss, as the slower you eat the less you are going to want to consume.
Eating slowly will also give you the opportunity to actually socialize with your family or co workers. What we can be social when we eat? Believe it or not, some feasts lasts hours. So while eating slowly might be difficult to do, go ahead and try it on your next meal, who knows you might actually enjoy it.
Positive thinking:
Many of the world’s most successful people attribute their success to positive thinking. What we continually think becomes reality. Unfortunately many of us have negative beliefs ingrained into our unconscious mind.
The solution to this very common problem is to make it a habit to think positive thoughts. There are many ways to do this, visualizing, positive affirmations, or even a gratitude journal.
Rise earlier:
This one is probably one of the most difficult things to do; yet its benefits far out weigh the negatives. Waking earlier allows you to have more “you” time, something that too many of us forget to do. The extra time from waking earlier can be spent meditating, reading, exercising or just anything that you love.
Waking earlier allows you to control the pace of your day, as you don’t feel rushed or in a hurry. There are many fantastic articles online which go into greater detail on how to become an early riser. Two of my favorites : Steve Pavlina and Zen Habits.
Incorporating any of the above methods of staying fit will undoubtedly increase your overall wellness and well being. One must not incorporate these ideas holistically to reap benefits. Try working one or two of the ideas into your daily routine then expand from there.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice, I like this article a lot and will possibly try to incorporate some of this into my life =)
Brittnay,
I wish you luck in trying to incorporate various healthy habits into your daily life style. Remember starting out slowly will surely aid you in your quest.
Great article for those looking for help in losing a few pounds.