Brenna McDonald | On July 22, 2015
We’ve all set a goal to begin living a healthier lifestyle, then failed to follow through. For some reason, we view the journey of healthy living as one that is too daunting, rigorous and intimidating. And can it be?
Absolutely. But does it have to be? Definitely not. Here are a few easy ways to boost your health and well-being without even breaking a sweat.Drinking Water
Okay, we’ve heard this one a million times. And yet, most people don’t drink enough water. The recommended intake is 64 ounces a day, which is roughly half a gallon, and the benefits of adequate water consumption are endless. Swap sugary drinks for H2O, and you’re sure to notice a difference! Drink it in the morning to feel more alert, down a glass before a meal to avoid overeating, and sip it all day long to hydrate your skin, flush out toxins, and assist with weight loss (yes, really!). While it’s easy to forget to drink water throughout the day, it’s just as easy to remember. Bring a water bottle along to work, class or your errands, and if you’re super forgetful, set alarms on your phone to remind you to drink up throughout the day. Bored by the bland taste? Infuse your water with fresh fruit to add flavor naturally.
Journaling
Did you know that journaling is actually good for your mental health? Me either, but it’s true! It makes sense when you think about it—channeling negative experiences into writing gets them off your mind and allows for major stress reduction. Additionally, jotting your thoughts and feelings down in a blank book can also boost your creativity, clarify your thoughts, increase your self-awareness, and assist with effective problem-solving. Whether you choose a diary app on your phone, a formal blog, or a traditional paper notebook to house your writing, it’s important to take a bit of time each day to write about whatever’s on your mind.
Walking
Sure, we all walk every day. But are we walking enough? Probably not. Luckily, it’s easy to add a few extra steps to your daily routine. If you live in the city, try walking to work or at least getting off the train or bus a stop early. Otherwise, you can swap elevators and escalators for those good old-fashioned staircases whenever possible. Making small changes to force yourself to walk more is really good for you. We know, we know—that parking spot right in front of the store is calling your name, but parking further away from your destination is another easy way to sneak some physical activity into your jam-packed day, and will benefit you in the long run. While walking is obviously not as high-impact as running, slow motion is better than no motion, so just get moving!
Soaking Up the Sun
An instant health-boost is right outside your front door! While many of us only go outside when we have to, we should all attempt to spend more time with nature, especially because of the benefits that come along with being outside. For instance, spending time outdoors can ease depression, improve focus and increase optimism. Plus, the Vitamin D you get from all that sunshine can strengthen your immune system and help keep your bones and teeth strong.
Feature Photo via We Heart It