Healthy living for some people comes naturally. For others it takes effort, time and some adjustments to their lifestyle.
First take a look at your lifestyle. What are you eating? What are you doing in your spare time? How much exercise do you get each week? How many hours of sleep a night do you get?
After taking a look at where you are at, pick one or two things to work on. It could even be a small change in what you drink or eat. For example, if you are an excessive coffee or soda drinker, scaling down to one cup or can a day would be beneficial to your health. Other lifestyle changes could be a bigger goal such as going from being a sedentary couch potato to a more active lifestyle. This can be a challenge, but is definitely one worthwhile.
To make these changes, one thing I suggest that has worked for me before is making small, achievable goals. These are goals that come from a bigger goal, but are broken down to smaller steps to reaching your end goal. Your goals can even be daily or weekly. Using the example above, if you drink several cups of coffee or soda a day your goal could be to only drink one cup of coffee or one can of soda a day for a week.
If want to change your eating habits, take a look in your pantry and fridge. Are you stocked up on chips, cookies and other unhealthy snacks? Try keeping those to a minimum and loading up on veggies such as carrots and celery and fruit like apples, melon, and berries. Although I enjoy salty and sweet snacks like many of us, I first grab a bag of carrots or a yogurt. By doing this, I usually forget about the chips stashed at the back of the pantry.
If your quest to a healthier lifestyle is to become more active, try making a weekly goal. Some ideas could be to make it a family activity such as an outing to the park to play Frisbee. Or if you really love your TV shows, how about setting up an at-home gym so you can workout while watching? If you are on a tighter budget, I suggest getting a jump rope, 5-10lb free weights, etc. If you have a bit more to spend, test out some workout machines like at Sears or a sporting goods store to find out if you prefer an elliptical, treadmill or stationary bike. Doing exercise while you watch your shows will help you have a healthier lifestyle.
When analyzing your lifestyle, try making small adjustments in areas that you see need help. It might be your eating habits, your exercise routine or lack of one, if you are getting enough sleep or rest, etc. Whatever it is for you, focus on a specific area that you can work on. Make small goals and adjustments, and as those are accomplished, add more changes to your routine. Before you know it you will be living healthy and feeling better!
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