Small Steps to Get Healthy

By Randi Morse

We all want to be healthier, but just the idea of changing your entire routine and schedule can be extremely intimidating. The best way to make lasting, impactful life changes is to implement them slowly. By making small changes over time the shock of the changes is minimized and you'll be able to create habits that will last a lifetime. Here are a few ideas of how to make small changes that will vastly improve your health.

Switch the Drinks

Drinking is important for our bodies, but most of us have a tendency to jump to fairly unhealthy drinks, often to get a little caffeine buzz so that we can have enough energy to finish out the day. Water is always the best choice for a beverage, but once you've gotten used to drinking other things it can be hard to make the switch. Try switching just one drink per day to water. For example, if you know you need your morning caffeine, have your cup of coffee, but for that afternoon coffee why not switch it to a glass of water? Cold water can be brisk enough to hydrate your body while helping you wake up at the same time.

Take the Stairs

We've all been told that we should take the stairs rather than the elevator, but no one likes the idea of climbing up three flights of stairs. Remember, you can go down stairs too! Instead of changing your whole routine by climbing up three flights of stairs every day, start by going down the stairs rather than taking the elevator. It's not as much exercise as you would get climbing up the stairs but it is motion, and any motion is better than none.

Park Farther Away

Are you like my husband, a person who cruises the parking lot for 10 minutes just to find the parking spot that is closest to the building? While it's nice to have the convenience of not having to walk far, you can up your exercise level by simply parking further away from the store. If you're having a rough day and you're sore, or it's raining out, by all means park as close as you can. But if you're feeling great and the weather is beautiful, park a little farther away from the store and enjoy the extra steps you're getting.

Making big life changes is difficult, which is why you should focus on making small life changes. If you stick with making small life changes you'll soon see that your entire life has been changed, without you have to go through a great deal of pain or frustration.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rialto, Calif.