You don't need to completely overhaul your
lifestyle to improve your health. In fact, trying to make drastic changes all
at once is often a recipe for failure. If you want to make significant,
long-lasting improvements to your wellness, the best way to start is through a
series of small changes that are easy to implement.
1. Start your day with a walk
Exposing yourself to morning sunlight regulates your body's
circadian rhythm so you sleep better at night and feel more alert during the
day. Head outside for a brief 10-15 minute walk when you wake up, skipping the
sunglasses and sunscreen to maximize the benefits. If you plan to be outdoors
longer than this, go ahead and take the sunblock with you. While exposure to
sunlight is crucial to your health, getting a sunburn is not.
2. Order your groceries online
If you tend to make a lot of unhealthy
purchases at the grocery store, stop going. You can order your groceries online
instead. Some stores, such as Walmart and Kroger, let you pick up at the store,
while other services deliver groceries (or meals) to your door.
Either way, you'll find it easier to stick to your nutrition plan and
avoid impulse purchases. Another benefit of ordering online is that you can
better plan you meal strategy for the week. As an added bonus, you’ll save
money and time.
3. Eat more fiber
A high-fiber diet isn't only beneficial to
senior citizens. Everyone needs fiber in their diet for proper digestion. Without
adequate fiber intake, you could experience constipation and increase your risk
of colon cancer. The best sources of fiber are vegetables, fruits,
whole grains, nuts and legumes.
4. Floss daily
Everyone knows they ought to floss, but
according to Colgate, only four in 10 Americans actually floss every day.
Flossing does more than keep your teeth pearly white; it helps prevent oral
disease and infection that, in turn, harm your overall health. Periodontal disease, which is triggered by
poor oral hygiene, is a known risk factor for stroke and other heart
conditions.
5. Think positive thoughts
An optimistic outlook doesn't just make you
pleasant to be around. Adopting a positive mindset reduces your stress, lowers
your risk of depression and helps you live longer. To encourage your mind to
think positively, make a habit of expressing gratitude and recounting the good
things that happen each day.
If you've been telling yourself that it's too
hard or too expensive to improve your health, hopefully these tips show you
that's not true. Not only are these suggestions so simple that anyone could do
them, but most of them cost absolutely nothing! Implement these changes one at
a time and by the end of the year, you'll notice real changes to your
well-being.
Image via Pixabay
Guest Article by: Jennifer McGregor
