We all have something we’d like to improve about our life. For many
of us, that seems to center around the way we look, our energy level or
our overall health. So why don’t we do something about it –
make a list of what we want to improve and make it happen? The truth is,
it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and that kills our motivation. When
we don’t know where to start, most of us just don’t start at all.
Think Small
Forget that long list. Pick one small, simple thing you can do to improve your health and make that single change. When it becomes a new habit, pick one more small change to make. You’ll be proud of yourself and, looking back a year from now, you’ll be surprised at what you have accomplished. To help, we’ve compiled a list of ideas – little changes that can make a big difference in your health.
Food And Nutrition
- Eliminate sugary soft drinks and processed fruit juices, replacing them with infused water or iced herbal teas. Can’t give up the sweetness? Switch to natural sweeteners such as Stevia.
- Drink more green tea, hot or cold. It contains antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help give you better-looking skin, too.
- Reduce your alcohol intake. Aside from the calories, too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and damage your liver.
- The next time you eat out, make a point of choosing a healthier meal. Don’t be afraid to ask about ingredients – you won’t be the first.
- Skip the coffee stop and make your coffee at home. You will avoid the temptation to turn your cup of coffee into a hot milkshake, and you can avoid those high-calorie baked goods in the display case, too. Add up how much money you’re saving, and buy yourself a gift (see Indulgence, below).
- Listen to slow music during dinner. One study showed people who listened to fast music averaged five bites per minute. Those with no music averaged four bites, and people who listened to calming music took only three bites per minute.
Lifestyle
- Lift weights to tone your muscles. Even a little added weight can boost bone strength and reduce blood pressure.
- Floss your teeth more often. Plaque that accumulates between teeth can damage your gums and the underlying bone, and the bacteria in your mouth can actually enter your bloodstream, causing additional problems.
- Buy a pedometer and make a game of adding up how many steps you take in a day. (There are about 2000 steps in a mile.)
- Relax. Make an appointment with yourself to do nothing. Give the corpse pose and meditative breathing a try for a few minute each day.
Indulgence
- Hitting the gym has obvious benefits, but hitting the spa can improve your health, too. Reducing stress can do wonders for your attitude as well as boost your body’s internal systems. Every time you schedule a massage, a facial or some other soothing treatment, you’re letting go of stress.
- You can also consider treating yourself to a MedSpa procedure. A more advanced treatment can have profound impact on your self-image as well as your actual appearance, motivating you to stick with your other healthy changes.
- Compliment yourself. Don’t always focus on what’s wrong with your body, make a point of noticing your positive attributes – your pretty eyes, shiny hair, strong arms, winning smile. Don’t forget your smart brain. If there’s something you really don’t like or can’t change with exercise and diet, consider making a big change. But keep complimenting yourself on all your other great traits.
Which little improvement will you pick first? Leave us a comment below!
