How to Improve Ones Health by Making Small Changes

So you want to improve your health? First take a good look at how you got to where you are now. Do you make wise, healthy decisions when it comes to your health? Do you eat healthy, exercise enough, and get enough sleep? Improving ones health is all about changing the decisions you are making now that have lead you to the poor state of health you are in now. Even making small changes to your lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on your overall health down the line. Here is a list of small changes that can start you on your way to better health.

1. Eat More Colorful Foods- Incorporate a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in to your diet. The more colorful produce in your diet the more essential nutrients you’ll get throughout the day. Substitute unhealthy, high calorie, fatty foods with fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

2. Stay Hydrated- There are so many beverage options now a days, that people choose flavor over health. Water is the best option to drink because the body is made up of 60% water, every cell requires it to function optimally, it needs to be replenished daily. Plus it has no calories and without it the body can suffer serious symptoms of dehydration. Replace all your beverages with water as much as possible.

3. Add Movement/Exercise into Your Daily Routine- Inactivity has caused a rise in obesity and put the American population at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. We as people have become too sedentary. For many who don’t feel they can make time in their busy schedules for exercising, they can find ways to add movement into their daily schedules. This includes parking farther away from the door to their job or the store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, getting of the bus or train a stop early and walking the rest of the way, riding a bike to work (also more economical and eco friendly) instead of driving. If you work in an office get up from your desk as much as possible, hand deliver messages to someone across the office instead of calling them on the phone, use a restroom farther away from your desk stand up and pace while on the phone. The more movement you add into your routine the more your body will thank you.

4. Take Breaks throughout the Day- Taking small breaks throughout the day will help to clear your head. Get up, step away from your desk, and take a walk. This will improve your metabolism, and get the blood circulating throughout the body. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients delivered to the brain. You will feel rejuvenated and refreshed allowing you to work better for the rest of the day.

5. Take time to laugh- Laughing relieves stress and tension, which allows our muscles to relax and reduces anxiety. Deep laughter can brighten a dull day or change a sour mood in an instant. Watch a funny video, tell a joke or think about a funny experience you’ve had. It will not only brighten your day but also make you feel better and improve your health.