Living a healthy lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle is about saying yes to life! It’s not just about eating the proper food, getting regular excecise or reducing alcohol/cigarettes... It’s about the choices you make that give you the opportunity to feel your best.
As you know, I am in the midst of training for our special Charity Crossing, and this got me thinking about the simple things we can do to feel our best every day.
Here are few things we can start doing right now:
- Drink plenty of water. It flushes out all the toxins from your system. Have a glass first thing in the morning- before your tea or coffee- and let your body wake up nicely!
- Stretch in the Shower. The hot water will loosen up your muscles, so it’s easier to get a good stretch. Stretching helps release stored tension and enables you to start the day feeling more relaxed, at peace, and ready to handle what comes your way.
- Stop watching tv or sitting in front of the computer. Read a book, get out of the house, do something active instead of passive- you will feel more fulfilled after it.
- Spend a little time out in the sun! We all know sunlight lifts our mood and gives us Vitamin D, so make the most of it whenever you can.
- Get social. Spend some real face-to-face time with your friends- every day! We are social creatures that need physical interaction. Social media just doesn’t replace it!
- Laugh! Studies show that those with a positive attitude suffer less from depression and conditions such as heart disease. Laugh every day and give your feel good hormones a boost!
- Smile at people. You will make their day, and you will feel better! Give a good hug when you can! A study by the University of North Carolina found that hugging lowers blood pressure and reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone).
- Listen to music! It is soothing and creates either peace or fun, depending on what tune you are playing. Music is always good to lift the mood!
- Get enough sleep! Taking care of your body is not only about working out. It is also about giving it time to recover, which helps your mental and emotional health as well.
- Learn something new: engage in a new activity, volunteer. Do something to make you feel productive and useful. The meaning and purpose you find in helping others will enrich you.
- Take a walk! Take time out every few days for a 20 minute walk. Use the time to just enjoy being outside. The time out gives you a chance to see things from a fresh point of view and it is always good to get fresh air!
I have noticed each of these points has helped me a lot. It’s not all about hard training… Take time and be good to your mind and body.
