Taking care of yourself is one of the most important aspects of living a happy life, both personally and professionally. Settling in to the new year usually means some of those new years resolutions have taken a backseat and life, in general, has taken over. There are many different ways to improve your health, both physically and mentally, and are equally as important. You must have the right headspace and mental health in order to pursue physical health as well, so follow these simple tips and tricks to make sure you’re improving your health and wellness.
Get a good night’s rest and unplug
Sleep is an absolute necessity when it comes to improving your health. Often, falling asleep proves to be the most difficult part of the process, and that is because of screens. It is important to take time to unplug at least an hour before you plan to go to sleep for the night. The stimulation that comes from your phone or computer screen increases your alertness and suppresses the release of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. Set a time in which you plan to go to sleep in advance, then work backward from that time to determine when you need to unplug for the night. From the time you put away the screens, you can keep yourself entertained with a book and will likely fall asleep 30 minutes to an hour later. Sleep is what allows your body to recharge, heal, and grow. Unplugging will lead to a better night’s rest and in return will improve your overall health.
Exercise regularly
The word “exercise” can be intimidating for people, but it doesn’t have to be strenuous! Physical activity is great for your body, it helps to clear your head and releases endorphins, which minimize discomfort and improve your overall mood. There are many health benefits associated with exercise, such as weight loss. Additionally, it helps your body grow stronger and subsequently can reduce your risk for chronic disease. Diabetes and heart disease are quite common, but going on a simple 20-30 minute walk can combat this. All it takes is getting your heart rate up and body moving each day. Physical activity is also key in improving your mental health, it gives you time to yourself to reflect on your day and clear your mind from any stressors that may be triggered in your personal or professional life. Easily overlooked, exercise is key to enhancing your health.
Have a meal plan
Dieting is sometimes the first thought that comes to mind during the discussion of being healthier, however, this is not the ideal route to take. In fact, dieting often deprives your body of the nutrients you need to grow and in turn, can result in weight gain instead of a loss. Rather, meal prepping is a better alternative. It allows you to plan out your meals for the week, choosing the correct nutrients and food groups. It also helps to prevent the idea of eating out or deviating from your plan, because your meals are readily available! When thinking about what to include in your meals for the week, a simple tip is to eat like a kid. Finger foods like carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes are always a good option. Here are some simple recipes to follow at home. Include a starch, protein, and vegetable in your meals and you will surely see results, such as weight loss. Meal prepping will leave you feeling better, sleeping better, and will give you the energy to include physical activity in your daily regime.
Health, both mental and physical, is the cornerstone of a long and happy life. These simple tips are just the start of a path to improvement. Each of the tips goes hand and hand and help each other. Better meals will leave you feeling energized enough to exercise regularly, and that exercise will give you the headspace to get a good night’s rest, again continuing the cycle for improving your health. Incorporate these simple health tips into your daily routine and watch your health improve this year!