Things To Do That Will Make You Healthier And Happier
Have you noticed that your quick fixes or diets don’t last very long and you end up going back to your old ways? That’s because we are creatures of habit and in order to see long lasting positive changes in our lives we need to work on improving our habits one at a time. Achieving a healthier and happier life doesn’t have to be hard, overwhelming or something you do all at once. Just take it one day and one habit at a time.
Here is my two week campaign to help you transform your life. Some of the tasks you may find easy, others you may find challenging and that’s ok. The next two weeks are about you. Start with day one and stay on day one as long as you need to; as long as it takes for you to make it something that you do habitually. I’d love to hear how you go with this and what positive changes it makes in your life.
Drink more water
Our bodies need water to function properly and because we can’t store water we need to drink it every day. Water is needed for most of our body functions and the general consensus is that the average adult should be drinking at least two liter of water each day (eight glasses each of 8 oz (= 240 ml) every 24 hours). However, there is not one size fits all when it comes to the amount needed. Aim for two liters a day and if you still feel thirsty drink more, if you don’t drink a little less. You just have to listen to your body and drink accordingly.
Rethink your drink
This one should be a little easier now that you have increased your water intake. The next time you pick up a drink I want you to ask yourself – is this good for me? Sugary beverages are high in kilojoules with no other essential nutrients and regular consumption may lead to weight gain, obesity, reduced bone strength and tooth decay. Try drinking water or green tea instead. Green tea can potentially protect you against heart disease while coffee (no more than four per day) may help protect againsttype 2 diabetes.
Eat mindfully
It’s time to stop eating on the run, in the car, while watching television and with little attention to what you are actually putting in your mouth. From now on, I want you to be mindful of what you are eating. Ask yourself – will this food give my body the nourishment and nutrients it needs? Also, start practicing the following: eat only when you are hungry, stop eating when you are full and slow it down. Digestion begins in your mouth, so the more chewing you do (approx. 20 times before swallowing) the happier and more grateful your tummy and intestines will be later.
Get the right amount of sleep
“From serotonin production to blood sugar management, immunity, and heart health, sleep impacts every aspect of your health.” Dr. Frank Lipman
We all know how important it is to get enough sleep and just how cruddy we feel when we don’t. Research suggests that the ideal amount of sleepmay be seven hours a night although some people may need more. Again, it’s about listening to your body and making note of the amount of sleep that makes you feel at your best. Then when you figure out the ideal amount, stick to it and resist the temptation to oversleep.
Stop buying junk food
It’s pretty hard to resist the temptation of your favorite junk food when it’s staring you right in the face. “One little bite can’t hurt.” Next thing you know, you’ve downed a whole packet of chips, block of chocolate or half a tub of ice-cream. I get it; it’s delicious! But doing this regularly is not helping that healthy diet of yours. So avoid the temptation and just stop buying it. Get rid of everything that is sugary, fatty, greasy and salty. Clean out your pantry and fridge and avoid even going down those aisles at the grocery store.
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