Healthy Living is a major contributor to emotional stress for Australian women according to a recent survey. Whether you are male or female, adopting a healthy lifestyle is a long term commitment that can involve a total overhaul of exercise, diet, and even social habits. However, you can make the mistake of overdoing it in the beginning and, while it won’t necessarily undo your good work, it can make your lifestyle changes less effective than you might think. Make your change to a healthy lifestyle smoother by following these eight simple steps that you can take right now.
1. Assess your situation
Make an appointment with your doctor for a thorough check-up. Take this opportunity to ask about any niggling health concerns you may have. Take your measurements, pay particular attention to your waist measurement; it is a great indication of developing chronic diseases like diabetes. Take stock of your physical activity, food intake and mood and energy, this will help point out those areas that require immediate attention.
2. Address pre-existing health issues
If you are already suffering from chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, depression or arthritis seek treatment and advice before starting any health or exercise program. If you smoke get help to quit, you will be amazed how much better you feel in a short period of time
3. Increase your movement
Follow these top tips for increasing physical activity.
* Make it fun, you don’t have to slog it out in the gym, get out into the fresh air for a hike with friends, take a swim or ride a bike with friends.
* Work physical activity into your normal day, 10% of some activity is better than 100% of no activity, start small!
* Set goals, build your confidence by starting with a small goal and once mastered increase gradually.
4. Overhaul your diet
The word “diet” is not necessarily about eating certain foods and cutting out others, it is more about knowledge, awareness and good choices. Challenge yourself! - try to incorporate five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables into your daily consumption. Make meal times enjoyable, slow down and really taste the food you are putting into your body.
5. Take charge of stress levels
Remember to breathe! Try to appreciate what you have rather than worrying about what you don’t!
6. Sleep – make sure you are getting enough
Make good quality sleep a priority, if you are having trouble getting to sleep, try to avoid brain stimulating activities, such as television and computer games at least two hours before bed time. To relax before bed, avoid stimulants like caffeine, take a warm bath or put a small amount of lavender on your pillow.
7. Improve your relationships
Healthy living isn’t just about food intake and physical activity; it includes relationships and social interaction. Spend time with people who make you laugh and if you are in a difficult or challenging relationship seriously consider getting help.
8. Challenge your mind
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy computer programs or apps. Check out your local library for hobbies or subjects that peak your interest and read up, it’s free.
Follow these steps to make today healthier than yesterday and start your journey to a healthy, happy tomorrow.
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