In today’s fast-paced, hectic lifestyle it is easy to be neglectful about our health. After a long day at the office, dealing with the kids, making supper for the family or running errands all you really want is to turn your brain off and spend the evening in front of the television.
Wouldn’t it be great to come home every evening feeling fresh and filled with energy? By making a few simple changes in your life and habits you can improve your overall health, boost your energy andbe on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
- Sleep:
There’s a reason why doctors say that you should get at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night. How much and how well you sleep actually has a big impact on your health and your ability to function to your fullest during the day.
Studies have shown that on average people are losing out anywhere from 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night. That’s almost 15 hours of sleep a week that you’re missing out on!
Some of the effects of sleep deprivation include:
· Lethargy and fatigue
· Easily irritable mood and difficulty handling stress
· Tendency to often get sick with an increased risk of illnesses such as heart problems, diabetes etc.
· Weight gain
So the first thing you need to do on your path to a healthier you is sleep the right amount.
- Exercise:
When you’re already feeling tired and achy, the very last thing you want to do is spend 45 minutes running on the treadmill. But that’s probably the best cure for your exhausted body.
Physical activity gets your heart pumping it gets the blood flowing and increases the oxygen level in your body, all of which will boost your energy. When you do exercise, make sure to be wearing appropriate sports clothing or workout gear that is breathable and easy to move in.
If you’re not the treadmill kind of person take up yoga, pilates or even a dance class. Your exercise routine can be as simple as walking around for 30 minutes a day or for 10 minutes every few hours. Whatever it takes to make you be more active.
- The Good Stress:
Not all stress is bad for you.
When you’re stressed just the right amount it means you are challenging yourself and thus intellectually stimulating yourself. But stress that causes you sleepless nights and anxiety is bad for you, so try to eliminate or at least take steps to diminish those stressful factors from your life.
- Meals:
Make sure to always eat a healthy breakfast. It’s the meal, which will get you moving for the day. Regularly skipping breakfast or eating a lot of fat and sugar is bad for your metabolism and will make you feel tired all day. Try to eat within a half hour of waking up and opt for a slice of toast, a cup of fruit and a glass of milk or orange juice for a well-balanced meal and a great start to your day.
Eat throughout the day. Small and healthy meals every two to three hours will help you burn calories faster, will boost your metabolism and your energy levels. Keep healthy snacks on hand and munch on them whenever you start to feel a little hungry. Eating smaller and healthier portions will also help you lose weight.
- Fluids:
Water is literally what is keeping you alive (95% of the human brain is made of water). We could survive for weeks without food but would last only a few days without water or fluids.
Drinking a lot of water throughout the day is important because:
· Keeps you hydrated and maintains the balance of bodily fluids
· Helps with weight loss
· Helps you maintain a more youthful appearance
· It plays an essential role in the internal functioning’s of your body
· It gives you more energy
- Junk:
Make a conscious effort to not eat junk food. That’s a particularly hard one because junk food is all around us. In fast food that we pick up on the way home, or in frozen TV dinners or anything that tastes really yummy.
Junk food is fine when you’re younger with a super fast metabolism and an active lifestyle that burns everything. But as you get older and your metabolism slows down junk food is like poison in your body. Cut out excess caffeine, alcohol, sodas, processed foods, or anything with lots of sugar or fat and fried foods.
Eating that in moderation is fine but when you hit your 30s and 40s its no longer to possible to live solely on burgers from McDonalds. Try to replace sugary treats with fresh fruits and replace fruity or sugary drinks with water. You’ll be amazed at how good you’ll feel.
- Get Some Sun:
Plants are not the only living things that need sunlight to flourish and prosper. When you’re out in the sun, the light helps to stimulate your brain and gets your body out of sleep mode while some light exercise gets the blood flowing.
Something as simple as waking up, stepping out onto your balcony in the sun and doing some light stretches will go a long way to making you feel more energized.
As you can see it is very easy to lead a healthier and more energized life by making some very slight adjustments in your daily life. In the midst of a busy life, it’s important to make time for yourself and ensure that you’re living a long healthy life for you and everyone else around you.
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