Getting healthy can be daunting! Changing your habits and diet, getting more exercise… it’s a lot! Here are 10 simple steps to be healthier that are easy, actionable, and have a big impact!
Healthy is one of those words that has a pretty broad translation. To some people it’s running marathons, eating 100% clean and organic, to others it’s breaking that daily soda habit, stopping smoking, or giving up sweets. It’s a relative term but one that I think most people are striving for.
I try really hard to find balance, and maintain my health, without being overwhelmed by all the things that can be factored in. I mean really if you start reading about things that are bad for you, that are detrimental to your health, that you should avoid, that you shouldn’t avoid, what you thought was good that actually isn’t …. it can be so overwhelming, and I don’t know about you but a lot of times when I’m overwhelmed by how to do something, I just don’t do it.
So I take small steps, I figure out the important stuff that is doable and do it first. And when it comes to being a little healthier, I have a few things that aren’t so overwhelming, are actually pretty easy, and might help you be a little healthier too! Try a few of these steps to be healthier and see the difference they make for you!
Here are 10 steps to be healthier right now!
#1- Make Water Your Drink of Choice– We all know that water is super important to our health. Make it the one you reach for first. Order it at restaurants (it’s cheaper too!) Staying hydrated is important for all of your body functions and can help your health better than most anything. If you don’t like plain water try infusing it with fruit, or squeezing a lemon into it. Once you get in the habit of choosing water, it will become much easier.
#2- Switch to Whole Grain- Depending on your tastes you may have to ease into this one. My hubby loves white everything, buns, bread, bagels… he hates the whole wheat stuff. I’ve always loved it though, and so do my kids. So with my dear hubs I go half and half. For things he loves like his English muffins I get the white ones. But if I’m making sandwiches or wraps for dinner I buy the whole grain ones. You’ll develop a taste eventually and enjoy the health benefits!
#3- Set Aside Some Quiet Time– I already know that I’m going to get a text from my best friend that says – “Quiet time??? What is that??” (Hi Jess!) But if you can get a minute, even if it’s in the car, the bathroom, or a few minutes before bedtime. Take some time to have a few deep breaths, relax your mind, try to de-stress. If you have a minute before the kids wake up or after they are in bed, take it to yourself (the laundry will still be there!). If you really want to make the most of it try out meditation, it is an amazing practice that can really make you feel so much better in just 5-10 minutes! Here are some of my favorite apps to get you started.
#4- De-clutter- When we think about health we usually think about our bodies, what we eat, what we drink etc… But our surroundings play a huge part in our health. I find that when my house is a mess and I feel overwhelmed by stuff that I am more stressed about everything else and I don’t feel motivated. By simplifying our surroundings we can clear our minds a little easier, have less upkeep and even a little more time for other things.
#5- Get Enough Sleep- We all know this is a toughy. Between life and kids and busy minds, crazy weather, and alarms going off in the morning… it seems like we’re always chasing extra sleep. So what to do? Is there a night when you can go to bed earlier than usual? Do it! Prep for your morning the night before so that you can set the alarm for 10 minutes later. If you have time for a power nap, take one! Make getting the sleep you need a priority.
#6- Eat Your Veggies- When we talk about healthy eating we often talk about what not to eat. But what you eat instead is just as important. Giving up chips? Keep some carrot sticks on hand, or make some kale chips. Make a side salad at dinner a regular thing, or a side of your favorite veggies. Think you don’t like vegetables? There are so many ways to prepare them, try something new, roast them, top them with garlic and olive oil, or blend them up in your pasta sauce. Even consider going meatless a few nights a week, it’s easier than you think!
#7- Take Your Vitamins – I am terrible at remembering my vitamins… why is something so simple so easy to forget? There are apps to help remind you, or you can pick something else that will help trigger your memory. Take them after you brush your teeth, sit them next to your coffee pot. Make it part of your routine. (and of course, ask your Dr. what vitamins you actually need!)
#8- Move More- This one can take some creativity! And there’s a reason I didn’t say exercise. Because most of the time we think of exercise and think we have to hit the gym or put aside an hour to hit the treadmill or do a video. But instead of getting in your head “I need to exercise” think “move more” if that means parking farther away from the store, bringing your groceries in one bag at time, running around in the back yard with the kids or taking the stairs just get moving, a little more each day. A little here and there really does add up! Of course, if you have the time for a jog or a trip to the gym then do that. Make your goal to move a little more each day!
#9 – Use Natural Sweeteners- I did a whole post on this a couple of weeks ago. Making the switch from refined sugar to using natural sweeteners is so much better for your body. Things like honey, maple syrup, agave are easier for our bodies to process plus in addition to making things sweet they have a ton of health benefits like vitamins and minerals. I personally love maple syrup or agave in my coffee, and I sweeten a lot of our baked goods with honey! It’s an easy switch to make!
#10- Self Care– This is a broad one. As a mom, I tend to not take the time to do the things for myself that I do for my family. But I know how much better I feel when I do. Taking the time to paint my toenails, or getting my hair cut, I feel better and can be better for my family. Taking the time to take care of yourself can help you feel better, have less stress and be healthier. Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, in fact, you can do a lot for free! If you are a busy mom taking time to refuel yourself is a must!
So those are my tips, 10 easy little things that this momma does to stay a little healthier. These steps to be healthier are easy to incorporate but can have a big impact! What is your best advice for being your healthiest? What health challenges do you face?
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