How Annoyingly Healthy People Thrive

By Sandy Schroeder,

If you are tired of envying super healthy friends, why not try some of their tricks? With a few steps you could join them looking great and feeling even better.

Start with a healthy breakfast - Enjoy eggs or oatmeal with fruit. Add fresh juice and coffee or tea. You will be primed to go all morning. 

Make water your first choice - Choose water over soda or energy drinks and drink a glass of water for each glass of wine that you have. Stay fully hydrated and feel the difference. 

Do not smoke - If you do, stop. Watch teens and pre-teens for vaping, and avoid secondhand smoke. 

Drink moderately or not at all - One glass of wine or beer for women or two for men is approved, but not encouraged. 

Exercise everyday - Find a comfortable spot on your schedule for 30 minutes of your favorite activity. Bike, run, walk or do yoga or tai chi. Split it into 10-minute segments to make it happen if you need to. 

Add a touch of laughter - Nothing lightens the day more than a quick chuckle or burst of laughter as you suddenly see the funny side of life. Keep looking for the funny side wherever you are. 

Get outside often - Sunshine and fresh breezes will lift your spirits and spark new activities. Get the family involved with weekend biking, camping or wilderness hikes. 

Shop healthy - Clean out the fridge and empty the pantry of junk food, and stock up with yogurt, waters, fresh veggies and fruits. Add lean poultry and meats, fatty fish, olive oil and nuts. 

Sleep deeply - Go to bed the same time each night and create a sleep ritual with a warm bath, soft music or a healthy snack.  

Let go of stress - Find a way to ease the tension when worries won't let go. Deep breathing exercises, short meditations morning and evening, or time spent with music, art or crafts can help. 

Step away from your computer - Take breaks morning and afternoon, and five-minute breaks each hour and avoid long work sessions. 

Plan your meals - Leave room for a few pizzas and burgers, but plan most of your meals around healthy favorites of your family. Serve up family dinners with black bean tacos, grilled salmon with veggies or breast of chicken with rice.  

Enjoy the difference as you take steps to be healthier. It will just get better and better.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charlotte, N.C.