1. Stretch Like A Cat
A few stretching exercises when you wake up will boost blood circulation,
ease back pain, and give you a greater range of motion. Think like a cat,
choosing stretches to get your spine twisting and extending. Hold each
position for 45 seconds. Challenge yourself to do these stretches for
30 days straight, and soon they will be a part of your morning routine.
2. Eat Healthfully
Studies show that substituting natural foods for processed ones will bring
you multiple health benefits. Healthy eating is a way to feel great, increase
energy levels, and stabilize moods. To set yourself for success, start
out by making small changes to your diet, adding new items and eliminating
processed food one at a time.
3. Taste the Rainbow
Bright colored fruits and vegetables are high in anti-oxidants that give
a boost to your health by removing free radicals that damage your cells.
These nutrition-rich super foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and
fiber while being low in calories. Make a habit to eat a veggie or fruit
at every meal. Pick up a new-to-you fruit or veggie the next time you
shop to add variety and keep eating interesting.
4. Protect Yourself From The Sun
It’s important to wear sunscreen at all times to protect you from
excessive sun exposure even in winter months. Choose a UVA/UVB protection,
water–resistant sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater. Apply a thick
coat at least 15-30 minutes before heading out in the sun.
5. Make Social Connections
Surround yourself with good company who support and enrich your life, as
doing so may very well make you a happier person. There’s no question
that the quality of your personal relationships has a great effect on
your wellbeing.
6. Breathe Through Stressful Situations
Many people do not realize just how important deep breathing is to your
overall wellbeing. As you feel stress coming on, step away from the situation
for just a minute or so to take a couple of deep breathes. Doing so will
help expel stress from your body and can be the most detoxifying thing
you can do to work through the situation.
7. Choose Your Snacks Wisely
Tide yourself over between meals with healthier snacks. Good choices include
raw nuts, fresh fruits, carrot sticks, and whole-wheat pretzels. As an
added benefit, not being ravenous at the next meal might make it easier
to eat slowly and not overeat.
8. Laugh More
Hearty laughter is not only fun, but it’s also a powerful tool. Studies
show that a big belly laugh can have positive effects on your health.
These include: easing stress, strengthening your immune system, and lowering
your blood pressure. Sharing a laugh brings people together and gives
you an instant boost to your happiness.
9. Build Downtime into Your Schedule
When planning your week, make it a priority to schedule in time for doing
your favorite activities and spending time with friends and family. Adding
quality time activities with the people who care most about will help
your recharge.
10. Get Moving
Research continues to show that daily exercise brings tremendous benefits
to your health including lowering the risk for several diseases, helping
with weight loss, and adding to your life span. Choose exercises you enjoy,
but change up the routine to keep it interesting. The more active you
are, the better you will feel and the healthier you will be.
11. Unplug Once a Week
Technology is an incredible tool that, for better or for worse, will forever
be a part of our lives. On the downside, many have become obsessed with
constantly checking in on social media sites, playing games, or endless
hours surfing. Completely unplugging once a week for a screen-free day
will open up that time to spend doing something just for you or with an
actual person.
12. Volunteer
It’s no secret that your happiness increases when you help others.
So, why not volunteer for a cause that you care about? There are many
great ways to contribute that can help you feel good about yourself and
your place in the world.
13. Bond with Furry Ones
Studies have shown pet owners have lower blood pressure, are less likely
to be depressed and have a higher self-esteem than people who don’t
have pets. The experts aren’t sure exactly why, but there’s
no question that it’s true. So curl up with your cat or dog to improve
your health outlook.
14. Get Adequate Sleep
You can’t overestimate the value of sleep. For adults, sleeping at
least seven hours a night is what you need to regenerate your body and
stabilize energy levels. Children need even more. Among the many benefits
from sleep, it helps you live longer, lowers stress, and sharpens memory.
15. Be Present
You can’t change the past and worrying about the future is futile.
The present moment is all you have. Embrace it, and enjoy it! The here
and now is the only place to be, in fact it’s the only place you can be.
Happy New You!