It’s no secret that living a healthy lifestyle is important. But sometimes it feels impossible to make significant changes all at once. That’s why we’ve put together this list of health hacks – small, manageable changes that you can make every day to help you live a healthier life. So whether you’re looking to clean up your diet, get more exercise, or just stress less, try incorporating one of these health hacks into your daily routine this month. Who knows? You may find that they lead to big changes in the long run!
1. Do a kitchen clean-out.
Get rid of any unhealthy or processed foods that are taking up space in your cupboards and replace them with healthy, whole foods. This will make it easier for you to eat well and avoid temptation when those late-night cravings strike. Plus, it’s a great way to jumpstart your healthy eating habits for the new year!
2. Wake up five minutes earlier.
Another hack that can help you live a healthier life is to make time for yourself every day. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to meditate, reading your favorite book, or taking a relaxing bath, find something that helps you unwind and stick to it. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference this can make in your overall well-being.
3. Get moving first thing.
This doesn’t mean that you have to hit the gym for an hour – even just a few minutes of stretching or light activity can make a difference. Get your body moving first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Taking some time out for yourself to move your body will help you to feel more energized and less stressed.
4. Practice Mindfulness
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to Practice Mindfulness. This means being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and feelings, without judgement. You can practice mindfulness through activities like meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few moments to yourself each day to focus on your breath. If you’re new to mindfulness, there are plenty of resources available online or in app stores to help get you started.
5. Swap green tea for your first cup of coffee.
We all know that coffee has plenty of health benefits. But did you know that green tea does too? Green tea is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to improve brain function, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost weight loss. So next time you’re reaching for a cup of joe, try Swap green tea for your first cup of coffee instead.
6. Check in with yourself.
How are you feeling today? If you’re tired, stressed, or not feeling your best, take a moment to assess what might be causing those feelings. Once you identify the root of the problem, it will be easier to find a solution.
7. Schedule a walking meeting.
Walking is a great way to get some exercise, and it’s also a great way to clear your head. If you have a meeting that can be done without being seated at a table, try scheduling a walking meeting instead. You and your colleagues will get some fresh air and exercise, and you may find that the change of scenery helps you to think more creatively. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know your colleagues better!
8. Add flavor, without calories.
A simple way to make your meals more flavorful without adding calories is to add herbs and spices. Herbs and spices not only add flavor, but they can also have health benefits like reducing inflammation or boosting immunity. So go ahead and experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find what you like best. Add a little oregano to your spaghetti sauce or some cinnamon to your oatmeal in the morning. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes!
9. Take a bath.
Soaking in a warm bath can do wonders for your stress levels. Add some soothing aromatherapy or add Epsom salt to your bathtub to help reduce inflammation and pain.
10. Get more sleep.
Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but sometimes it’s hard to get that much. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try setting a bedtime and sticking to it as best you can. You might also try reading or taking a bath before bed to help you relax.
11. Write down a sweat date.
It’s easy to say you’ll go for a run tomorrow or hit the gym after work, but it’s harder to actually stick to those plans. So make things easier on yourself by setting a specific day and time for your workout, and then write it down in your calendar. This way, you’re less likely to make excuses and more likely to get your sweat on.
12. Add an extra piece of fruit to your day.
It may seem like a small change, but adding an extra piece of fruit to your diet can make a big difference in your overall health. Not only will you be getting more vitamins and minerals, but you’ll also be increasing your fiber intake – both of which are important for good health.
13. Drink up before you eat.
Drink up before you eat. It’s been proven time and again that drinking water before meals can help you eat less and lose weight. So next time you’re feeling hungry, try downing a glass of water first. You may find that the hunger goes away on its own!
14. Slow down your decision making.
When it comes to food, we often make decisions based on what sounds good in the moment rather than what’s actually healthy for us. But if you take a few extra minutes to think about your choices, you may be surprised at how easy it is to make healthier choices. For example, next time you’re at a restaurant, take a look at the menu and decide what you’re going to order before you even get to the table. Or, if you’re grocery shopping, make a list of healthy items that you want to buy ahead of time. That way, you won’t be as tempted to make impulse purchases of unhealthy junk food.
15. Program in push-ups.
Push-ups are a great way to get some exercise in even when you don’t have time for a full workout. And there’s no need to do them all at once – you can break them up into smaller sets throughout the day. So next time you’re feeling sluggish, try doing a few push-ups to boost your energy levels. You may be surprised at how effective they are!
16. Swap your phone for a book.
We’re all guilty of spending too much time looking at our screens. But did you know that this can actually lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety? If you’re looking for a way to unwind before bed, try reading a book instead of scrolling through your social media feeds. Not only will this help you relax, but it’s also a great way to learn something new.
17. Make your gym visit quicker.
Don’t spend time chatting with friends or browsing social media on your phone while you’re at the gym. Get in, get your workout done, and get out. You’ll be more likely to stick to your routine if it doesn’t take up too much of your time.
18. Try a day without sugar.
Just one day without added sugar can make a big difference in your overall health. Try cutting out all sugary foods and drinks – including candy, desserts, sodas, and even fruit juices – for 24 hours. You may be surprised at how much better you feel!
19. Diffuse essential oils.
This may seem like a small change, but diffusing essential oils can have a big impact on your health. Not only do they smell great, but they can also help to boost your mood, improve your sleep, and reduce stress levels. Plus, there are tons of different essential oil blends to choose from, so you can find one that’s perfect for you.
20. Run for the hills.
Run for the hills – or at least around your neighborhood. Getting in some cardio is a great way to improve your overall health, and it doesn’t have to be boring. If you hate running on a treadmill, try exploring your city or town on foot instead. You’ll get some fresh air and exercise while also getting to know your surroundings better. Plus, it’s a great way to clear your head and reduce stress. Win-win!
