So busy racing through your day that you don't have the time to take care of yourself? Too caught up with work and wishing you had a couple of extra hours a day?
You are not alone! Not surprisingly, you're tired and feel run down most of the time. Life can be a hamster wheel, and it is up to us to take control and make sure we're living a healthy lifestyle.
On Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day, here are some easy ways to...
...Upgrade to a healthy lifestyle!
Drink
I mean water. What did you think? Never mind. Drink more water. I'll need all day to talk about the benefits of drinking enough water. Our body is made of 72% water and even if you experience a slight drop in that fluid content, you're looking at six times the energy loss! Did you know that a 15% drop in fluids can result in death? Sadly, a majority of us skip drinking enough water. And if that's not enough, we're also living with pollution, stress and probably not eating on time. So take action now. Make it a point to drink a glass of water every half an hour. See yourself feeling more energetic.
Eat
You're thinking, yeah right - you didn't really need me to tell you that. Let me be more specific. I am referring to fresh food, of the uncooked variety. Heating food often kills some of its nutrition. If you are not getting enough veggies in your diet, you must worry. The recommended serving for fresh veggies is five per day. How many are you getting?
So don't sweat it - if you have a problem prepping, chopping and chewing, go in for juicing. Invest in a good juicer - and go for green juicing. Make a lot, store it in your fridge and carry some to work. Share it with your kids! Dieticians recommend wheat grass which is rich in the nutrients we need. Include fresh grains for vitamins and minerals. Think sprouts and whole grains.
Exercise
Yes, exercise. It is not a bad word. Also, it needn't be a chore. Take up an activity you enjoy. How about Aerobics? Pilates? Zumba? Or just buddy up with your pals and walk briskly for 30 minutes every day. You don't have to go to the gym to stay fit. No buddies? How about an exercise bike? Walk the dog? Walk the neighbor's dog? Walk around the block? Walk to work? Whichever works for you!
Not used to exercise? Think baby steps. Start with 5 minutes and work it up incrementally to 30 minutes. Trick your body into doing it every day. When you start with 5 minutes, you hardly feel the difference, yet you're happy you've gotten started! The problem with not getting exercise is you end up feeling listless - and this becomes such a habit you don't want to move at all! So move it now! Bonus? You'll stay healthy and look good.
I said easy, right? And you do not need a techie for this upgrade!
Take action now. When you eat well, sleep well and stay active, you give yourself the best chance for What? Health is happiness! Don't wait until the point where you have to take tests and be forced into taking steps that seem difficult. Doctors' bills are expensive - and it is no fun being sick.
Oh, and don't forget to relax! Life is stressful and while some stress is healthy, you don't want to let it grow to that point when your routine gets disrupted. Take up some sort of de-stressing activity like meditation. Savor the moment. Get some quiet.
I enjoy laughing my head off while watching my favorite comedy shows with my family . I also prep my veggies while watching TV, so no guilt there!
What steps are you going to take to upgrade to a healthy lifestyle?
Already there? Big high-five to you!
