Making a healthy lifestyle change can be one of the best decisions you ever make for yourself, but it can also be quite overwhelming. There is so much information out there on how to get healthy, and often times people are trying to change too many things at once. This can lead to frustration and ultimately failure.
I say it all the time – consistency is key! For real results, your new actions have to become habits. However, trying to overhaul your entire bad lifestyle all at once is often too much for most people. That’s why making small changes is a more realistic goal, and will also help you stick with them until they become second nature. Let’s take a look at some of the best small changes you can make
Drink more water.
This is probably the most common healthy change people try to make, and for good reason – it’s essential for our bodies! Most of us don’t drink nearly enough water every day, so upping your intake can have a big impact. A great way to start is by carrying around a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go.
Make breakfast a priority.
We’ve all heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but often times we don’t make time for it. If you’re not a morning person, try prepping your breakfast the night before so all you have to do is grab it and go in the morning.
More greens/less filler.
This one is especially important if you’re trying to eat healthier. Make sure your meals have plenty of vegetables, and cut down on things like pasta, rice, and bread. It’s not about cutting these things out completely – just eat them in moderation.
Prep your own lunch.
Eating out all the time can be expensive and unhealthy. If you have the time, try cooking your own lunch a few times a week. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy – a simple sandwich or salad will do.
Fight fatigue with healthy snacks.
If you’re feeling tired in the afternoon, reach for a healthy snack instead of grabbing coffee or energy drinks. Things like fruit, nuts, or yogurt are all great options.
Adjust your coffee order.
If you’re a coffee lover, there’s no need to give it up entirely. Just make some small adjustments, like cutting down on sugar or switching to almond milk.
Choose the stairs.
Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. This is a great way to sneak in some extra exercise into your day.
Turn family time into a daily walk.
If you have kids, take them for a walk around the neighborhood instead of sitting down to watch TV together. This is a great way to get some exercise and spend quality time with your family.
Stretch or do tiny exercises when you’re waiting.
Whether you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or sitting in traffic, use that time to do some light stretching or exercises. Anything from neck rolls to calf raises will do.
Stand up throughout your day.
If you have a sedentary job, make an effort to stand up and move around as much as possible. Set a timer on your phone to remind you to get up and walk around every hour or so.
Change up Happy Hour.
If you like to go out for drinks with friends after work, try doing something different instead of just going to the same old bar. Go for a walk in the park, have a picnic, or go to a nearby museum.
Making small changes in your lifestyle can have a big impact on your health. Try incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine and see how you feel. And remember, consistency is key! Before you know it, these changes will become second nature.
