Ready to boost your health? New Year’s means many Americans are thinking about their health. Whether you want to eat better, get more sleep, lose weight, or reduce stress – you’re not alone in making a health-related New Year’s Resolution.
Boost Your Health in 5 Minutes
But here’s some really good news: You don’t have to turn your life upside down to improve your health habits. In fact, I’ve got 14 simple ways you can boost your health in as little as five minutes.
1. Gratitude Journal
Taking just a few minutes out of each day and writing down what you are grateful for is a way to wake up your mind and focus on the good things in your life. Being positive has shown to help improve overall health and reduce stress (the number one health issue of our modern world).
2. Five Minutes of Outdoor Time
Being outdoors whether it’s warm or cold has huge benefits to your health. Taking small nature breaks to enjoy the fresh air is invigorating. Plus, the Vitamin D actually helps strengthen your immune system and earthing has some amazing overall health benefits!
3. SomaFit
You don’t need an hour to exercise. SomaFit makes it easy to take a five minute break and workout. All of Somafit’s online classes will help you become stronger, boost energy, lose weight, and change bad body habits (like poor posture). Plus with a free 30-day trial, it’s a no brainer decision to try it out and see the results. Check out SomaFit here.
4. Meditation/Deep Breathing
Stop and slow down. Meditation not only helps you to relax and lower stress levels, but deep breathing has proven to help boost energy, work on respiratory issues, improve circulation and more. It’s a simple, foundation way to boost your health.
5. Grocery Shop Online
Stay with me. Ever find yourself buying whatever is one sale (or looks tempting) when out on a grocery run? Doing your shopping online helps you stick to whatever your food goals may be. Plus it’s great on the budget as you won’t impulse buy as much.
6. Meal Plan
Along the lines of buying groceries – meal planning is another great way to help your health. When you meal plan you are better prepared to eat healthy and real foods. Plus when you have a delicious homemade meal cooking you are less likely to eat out!
7. Human Connection
We are wired for connection. In our world of social media it can feel like we’re getting personal connection, when we’re not. Taking a few minutes to have a real-life conversation with an actual human being is essential for healthy living. Of course, more than five minutes a day is preferred. 🙂
8. Stop Sitting So Much
Take 5 minute breaks and get up off your chair – it’s a sure-fire way to boost your health. Too much sitting has been proven to be bad for your health. Taking a break every 30 minutes or so to take a walk around the office or whatever it is you need to do to get our of your chair will drastically help your health and bring you more energy throughout the day.
9. Drink Water
Staying hydrated and drinking water has always been something we have been told is good for us – but many people still don’t drink it. Trade out your drink of choice or a glass of water instead. Not only will you most likely be getting rid of sugar or other ingredients your body doesn’t need – you’ll be replacing it with something that your body needs to survive. (Just be sure to not over do it.)
10. Give Hugs
Find someone you love and give them a hug. A good long hug. Hugging has actually been shown to release oxytocin which can enhance mood, reduce inflammation, reduce anxiety and more. Give yourself a daily dose of hugging.
11. Declutter
Decluttering is a great way to give some health to your mind. Removing items from your life that are no longer needed is a way to lower stress and anxiety levels. Decluttering can also help improve decision making skills and also allow for better sleep.
11. Do Something Nice for Someone
I have always been a firm believe in good karma. Doing service for someone not only helps us feel better and happier – but it helps someone else feel better and happier. Doing something nice is a good reminder to stop our fast paced life and look at those around us. Slow down. Serve. Be happy. It’s all part of a healthy, balanced life.
12. Take the Stairs
This is a simple way to keep your body moving. When you get the choice, decide to take the stairs instead. Make your body work and move and you’ll increase your strength and health little by little.
13. Set a Bed Time
Setting a specific time to go to bed not only helps your body regulate its sleep patterns, but usually will help ensure you are giving yourself the proper amount of sleep each day. It’s easy to get caught up in chores, TV, Facebook, work, kids, etc. Setting a bed time for yourself helps to avoid late nights and tired days.
14. Schedule Me Time
This is an important one that many don’t do in their lives – take some “me” time. Whether that’s taking a hot bath, watching your favorite TV show, reading a good book, enjoying a quiet breakfast before anyone else gets up, or whatever brings you pleasure. Make some time for you and see how it can drastically improve your mood and health.
There is no better time then now to focus on your health but don’t overwhelm yourself – set some reasonable goals and take those steps you need to improve your life. So what do you think? What will you do for your health this year?
Sources:
http://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/small-changes-improve-health
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/16-simple-ways-to-upgrade-your-health-today.html
https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/7-simple-ways-improve-your-health
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