Whether it is being motivated by just a general overall want to feel better or simply wanting to lose a few pounds before you see your family at the holidays, a lot of people this time of the year are looking for ways to improve their lifestyle and their health. The problem being is a lot of us this time of year lack extra time.
From wanting to fill our schedules with every fall activity possible- hello, pumpkin farm season! Or simply having kids being back in school with extracurricular activities every waking second.
We understand you are busy. That’s why we wanted to bring a few simple steps your way that can make getting healthy less of a chore and more routine in your day-to-day hectic lifestyle.
Even if you only have 3 extra minutes each day, these are some small steps you can incorporate into your lifestyle to make it a healthier one. We offer these healthy and positive lifestyle habits to help you choose a different outlook. It will have amazing results for your health!
So let’s dive right in and take a look at the top 17 habits you should adopt to start.
1. Practice Positivity
The best way to start seeing things in a positive light? Practice positivity! You’ll wire your brain to see the good things instead of focusing on the negative. Negativity can be exhausting, so you’ll find yourself with an immediate boost of energy by simply embracing positive vibes. You’ll also find that you’ll waste less time by not focusing on the small things that bring you down.
2. Exercise
Exercise is one of the most importantly healthy and positive lifestyle habits you should be taking part in every single day. It not only keeps your body shaped and toned, but physical activity also releases chemicals known as endorphins, in the brain. These are basically “happy hormones” that boost your overall well-being. As a bonus, you’ll also increase your energy levels by working out!
3. Stay Hydrated
Water makes up 60% of your body. If you are low on fluids, your body will send a signal to refuel by triggering your thirst mechanism. Listen to your body and replenish your fluids. Water not only helps us feel full, but it also nourishes our hair, skin, and nails. It will help you stay focused and full of energy, so you’ll be ready to greet the day with positive vibes.
4. Try Meditating
If you’re having a hard time getting into a healthy and positive lifestyle, take a step back and start with meditation. Meditation is a proven way to kick-start weight loss, and it’s also a great way to silence your mind from time to time. You may find it gives you more peace in your life or at least the clarity to see things in a new light.
5. Let Go
This one is a hard one, but it’s definitely one of the healthy and positive lifestyle habits you should be enforcing every single day. Let go of the things that no longer serve you. That might be a toxic person in your life, a bad habit like smoking, or a memory from your past. If something is dragging you down into negative energy, meditate on letting it go or release it during yoga.
6. Ditch the Junk Food
The junk food has to go! It might taste great in the moment, but nothing tastes better than feeling fit. Junk food will only give you temporary happiness, and those empty calories are a sure-fire way to pack on the pounds. In fact, your immune system actually sees junk food as a virus, so keep yourself healthier by making healthy choices instead.
7. Eat Your Vegetables
Instead of loading up on junk food, substitute a healthy serving of vegetables instead. These nutrient-dense powerhouses will make you feel great from the inside out. If you can afford it, try buying organic vegetables. It’s the ultimate way to treat your body!
8. Eat the Rainbow
Eating a plate full of vibrantly colored food is a sure-fire way to get excited about your meal. In addition to looking great, multi-colored food is actually more nutrient-dense than dull-colored food. Make it a habit to include at least two colors in your meals. An easy way to do that is by throwing a handful of freshly chopped herbs or some sliced red cabbage into your bowl.
9. Get Your Zzz’s
If you’re not sleeping enough, chances are good that you won’t be able to see things in a positive light. You may be more likely to jump to conclusions or respond to a confrontation in an irritable manner. Healthy bodies need at least seven hours of sleep each night to maintain focus and keep the metabolism running at peak performance.
10. Watch Your Portion Sizes
Overeating leads to feeling terrible! You’ll feel bloated, gross, and sometimes ashamed (especially if you’re going over your calorie goals). Keep your body and mind feeling great by controlling portion sizes. It’s much better to eat multiple small meals than it is to eat a few large ones.
11. Compliment Yourself
It’s so easy to stare into that mirror and criticize yourself for your looks or lifestyle choices. Instead of thinking negatively, give yourself a compliment once a day. There are always things to work on but take a moment to cherish yourself for who you are. You’ll see positive results when you think this way!
12. Appreciate The Small Things
Along with your daily gratitude journaling, try to take a moment each day to appreciate the small things. That might be a cool breeze on a hot day, a smile from a stranger, or a compliment from your boss. When you start appreciating the small things, it’ll be easier to accept that life is great – even when it’s not!
At the end of the day, there are so many steps beside this you can take. But sometimes a list isn’t enough and you don’t know where to start. That’s when we recommend seeking a consultation with a professional to get you on the right track. Knowing you have a professional behind you is just the motivation some people need to get themselves on the track to their best self.