Getting healthier doesn’t happen overnight, believe me, but I know from experience that small habits that I’ve picked up over the years have made a major impact on how I feel day to day. I have more energy, I sleep better, I have better digestion, clearer skin, and generally, I just feel so much happier.
Making big changes to your health can definitely seem overwhelming, but know that what you do today, can impact your health in the future, so start implementing small changes here and there and reap the benefits for years to come!
10 Things You Can Do to Be Healthier Today
1. Hydrate, Immediately
We all know that staying hydrated is crucial to feeling healthier and in my experience, the best way to stay hydrated and remember to drink water throughout the day is to hydrate IMMEDIATELY when you wake up. Something about getting in those first 16oz of water right after I get up makes me feel instantly better and seems to make me thirstier all day, so I drink more.
2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Start by establishing better sleep habits—go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day, even the weekends. If you’re a parent, this one is pretty easy, ha! Get off your phone/screens at least an hour before bedtime and do something relaxing.
3. Manage Stress
Stress is so hard on our bodies, but avoiding stress altogether is impossible. That being said, we do have the ability to manage our stress more effectively. Meditation, self-care and regular exercise are all great ways to naturally manage stress.
RELATED: How to Treat Post-Weaning Anxiety
4. Go for a Walk
Movement is essential to staying healthy, but getting motivated to jump into a workout routine can be a struggle, especially if you’re starting from a relatively sedentary place. But, going for a walk is something we can all do! It requires no equipment and you can do it anywhere—inside, outside. Personally, I prefer getting outside for the fresh air, Vitamin D and the chance to get into nature—that’s a great stress reliever for me.
5. Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet
The number one thing that shifted my health has been eating more fiber on a daily basis. I get a big dose in first thing in the morning with my green smoothie. Most Americans only get half of the recommended fiber they need each day. Fiber is essential to gut health and gut health literally impacts everything.
A healthy gut, means a healthier you. Better digestion, more energy, better sleep, etc. If you want to kickstart your fiber intake, take my free green smoothie challenge!
6. Stop Filling Your Days
I am soooo guilty of never slowing down. When I’m busy, I feel productive, and when I’m productive, I feel successful, bu the feeling is fleeting. Especially when it’s paired with burnout, exhaustion and overwhelm. I’m slowly learning that constantly being busy does not equal happiness.
I’m trying to get better about setting aside time to do more of the things that make me feel happy and good—like moving my body, meditating, just relaxing with my family. When we can focus on feeling good, everything else falls into place.
7. Check your Mindset
We can’t always change our situations, but one thing we have complete control over? Our mindset, attitude and outlook of that situation. I’m a big believer that positive energy flows more easily when we are able to see our situations through the eyes of joy and love. I’m not saying this is always an easy practice, but once you start doing it, it gets easier and easier and feel lighter and lighter!
8. Get in your Greens
Greens are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals and also low in calories. They can help protect you against disease and can boost digestion and help with clearer skin as well.
RELATED: How to Get More Greens in your Diet
9. Connect with People
One of the hardest things this past year has been the lack of in-person, human connection and interaction. Personally, I thrive on getting to see friends and family, and while I’m grateful for FaceTime and phone calls, nothing beats that in person connection. Since that’s still more difficult, it’s so important to make time to connect with people you care about.
10. Have More Fun
Smile, laugh, be silly, watch a funny movie—this year has reminded me how important it is to have fun. It naturally makes you feel calmer and less stressed and is often totally free!
BTW, what to eat for clearer skin, and 10 benefits of sunshine for your health.
