Exercising regularly is hard. Sticking to a diet is really hard. Doing both at the same time and constantly striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle is ridiculously hard. The good news is, there are plenty of easy measures you can take to protect your physical and mental well-being. Implementing any of these eight simple measures into your daily routine will improve your lifestyle and help you tackle harder challenges when you face them.
Pack a Lunch
In general, anything you can make for yourself in the morning is going to have more nutritional value than eating fast-food on your lunch hour. Set aside five minutes out of your day to prepare a salad or sandwich for later in the afternoon.
Take a Walk
Walking around the block is one of the best ways to relieve tension and reduce stress. Plus, walking regularly will help you develop good exercise habits.
Sleep
Easy enough, right? The truth is though, people who don’t get enough sleep are susceptible to all sorts of problems like poor immune system performance to reduced levels of fertility.
Hang with the Right Crowd
Everyone who has passed ninth-grade biology knows that humans are social creatures. As such, it’s no wonder that happy, healthy, highly-motivated people tend to spend time with each other. Look for individuals in your social circle who inspire you to reach for new heights and make it a point to keep in touch with them. Odds are, they’ll influence your behavior in a positive way.
Consult Medical Professionals
Though many people are reticent to visit doctor’s offices and testing centers, doing so will invariably lead to healthier choices. Remember that medical professionals not only have the ability to supply much-needed treatments, but will offer proactive advice to help you avoid future health problems.
Take the Stairs
Each step adds up. Simply eschewing the odd elevator ride to stretch your legs is a small, but effective, way to incorporate a little more movement into your routine.
Play
Go play catch with your kid, or play fetch with your dog, or join a recreational sports league. However you do it, make sure to have fun while you exercise! It can make a huge difference.
Learn to Say, “No”
Often, the key to staying healthy is simply learning to avoid bad decisions. It’s okay to tell your friends that you’d rather not go out for a night on the town, or that you’re skipping dessert. Plus, once you start to assert yourself, everything else will come easier!
