Little Things You Can Do for Better Health
By Paul Rothbart
Most people would like to improve their health. It can seem daunting. Finding time to exercise regularly, counting calories, and reading nutrition labels. Supplements, vitamins, medical care. It may feel overwhelming, but there are little things that you can do that add up to a lot. Here are some changes that can help you become healthier.
Deep Breathing
Stress seems to be ever-present and is not good for your physical or mental health. Practicing deep-breathing techniques daily can be very helpful. Inhale slowly for a count of five, hold the breath for five, and then exhale slowly for five. Do this several times until you feel relaxed and calm. This only takes 2-3 minutes and you can do it anywhere. It's a good practice for when you first wake up and you can also do it throughout the day whenever you feel stressed.
Order Groceries Online
Ordering groceries online can be convenient, but it also has other benefits. If you are not in the store while shopping, you will not be tempted to buy junk food and unhealthy beverages. Supermarkets know how to entice shoppers. All those "buy one get one free" deals can be hard to resist. Packaging makes those high-calorie, sugary snacks look like something you must have. Save your health and money by placing your order from the comfort of your own home, far from temptation.
Reorganize Your Refrigerator
Put your healthy foods and snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, into see-through containers and place them on the top shelf. They will be the first thing you see upon opening the door and you will tend to choose them when you are hungry. Place take-out leftovers into opaque containers at the bottom of your fridge. See take-out containers can make you crave this food which is generally not very healthy.
Use Your Breaks to Take a Walk
Generally, a full-time employee will get a 10- or 15-minute break in the morning and afternoon. Rather than sit around drinking coffee or soda, take a brisk walk. If the weather is nice, you can walk around the parking lot. Otherwise, stroll the corridors. This is an especially good tip for people who sit at a desk all day. You'll burn extra calories, get the blood flowing, and exercise those muscles.
Staying healthy involves regular exercise, a good diet, and solid sleep. It can seem like a lot, but by doing several smaller things every day, you can contribute to a healthier mind and body significantly.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Yuma, Ariz.