Overhauling your lifestyle to be your healthiest self can seem daunting. You need to change your diet, start a strict workout regimen, and sample every wellness fad.Or not.
While you might feel overwhelmed by the changes that wellness demands, you don’t need to force major transformations. In fact, small shifts can be even more effective. By starting minimally, you can slowly adapt a healthy lifestyle. And this new way of being will eventually become second nature.
The following are some small changes that you can make today to feel your best.
1.Start a morning routine
Mornings set the foundation for your day. So, if your morning feels hectic and disorganized, your day might feel that way as well. By waking up with enough time to move through a morning routine, you can add a bit more self-care into your day and start off on the right note. Try reading a book, stretching, sipping your coffee in silence, journaling, or going for a short walk. Figure out what ritual works for you and stick with it.
2.Add more vegetables
You know that diet is a key part of wellness, but it can be tricky to understand what to eat. So much information is out there about what foods are the best and worst for your health, and these claims are always changing. To simplify healthy eating and take the guesswork out of filling your plate, simply add more vegetables to each meal. In a food culture that focuses on avoiding the “bad,” try to nourish yourself with more of the good.
3.Find the right supplements
Just as endless information is available about what foods to eat, there are seemingly endless supplement options on the market. Rather than sampling a bit of everything, try to learn about your nutritional needs and choose vitamins accordingly. See your doctor for a health screening and see what supplements may be beneficial for you. For example, if you are vegetarian or vegan, they may recommend taking a vitamin D supplement. Then ask what dietary supplement manufacturers your doctor recommends, so you can ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company.
4.Meditate
When it comes to intimidating wellness practices, meditation might make you the most wary. However, it’s not that hard. You don’t need to go on a monthlong retreat to meditate. In fact, just a bit of mindful breathing can lower your stress levels, boost your immunity, and help you sleep more soundly. To practice mindfulness meditation, sit quietly with your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. When your mind wanders, gently pull it back to the sensation of your breath. Whether you do so for three minutes or 15, you are sure to feel the benefits.
5.Drink more water
Beverage choices are often just as important as food choices, so try to drink more water whenever possible. Add a glass before your morning coffee, then carry a water bottle around with you throughout the day. You can enjoy more energy, have fewer headaches, and fight off a dehydration slump. You can boost water’s power by reaching for a glass instead of taking trips to the liquor store or buying an energy drink. While you can still sip on wine and lattes occasionally, try to make water your beverage of choice.
Remember that no perfect wellness formula for everyone exists. It will take small changes in your life to feel your best, but be sure to pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Over time, you will create sustainable routines that feel best for you and commit to a healthy life.
