Top 10 Tips for Better Health

(That Don’t Actually Suck)

Photo by Total Shape on Unsplash

Top 10 Tips for Better Health (That Don’t Totally Suck)

Let’s be real — being perfectly healthy is hard work. But making simple tweaks to your daily routine can go a long way towards feeling better without driving yourself crazy. Check out these tips that are actually doable:

1 — Move more. Yeah, yeah, you’ve heard it before. But it doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym. Aim to get up and walk around for 5–10 minutes every hour or two. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park a little further away. Those little bits of extra movement add up.

2 — Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Even being slightly dehydrated can sap your energy and make you feel sluggish. Keep a reusable water bottle at your desk or in your bag, and sip regularly. Aim for at least eight glasses per day.

3 — Sleep like a baby. Good sleep is just as crucial for health as diet and exercise. Aim for 7–9 hours per night by following a regular sleep schedule. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, too.

4 — Snack smarter. When hunger strikes, resist the urge to grab chips or candy. Keep nutritious snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, hummus, and veggies. Your body (and waistline) will thank you.

5—Fiber is your friend. Getting enough fiber (shoot for 25–30 grams daily) keeps you regular and may reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and more. Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans.

6—Stretch it out. Take a break from sitting every hour to stand up and do full-body stretches. This will increase your flexibility and relieve muscle tension. YouTube has tons of short stretching routines to follow.

7 — Schedule worry breaks. It’s impossible to go through life without any stress. When you feel anxious, set aside 20 minutes daily to write down your concerns and develop game plans. Then, spend the rest of your day working on solutions, not stewing.

8 — Stand up straight. Quit slouching! Good posture can boost confidence, reduce back pain, and even improve digestion and breathing. Gently pull your shoulder blades together to stand tall.

9 — Limit screen time. Too much social media and TV can negatively impact mental health and vision. Set a tech curfew a few hours before bedtime and take real daily breaks.

10 — Laugh it up. Laughter truly is great medicine. It relieves stress, improves mood, and even burns calories. Watch a funny show, read jokes online, or call your hilarious friend. A good belly laugh does a body good!

YOU HAVE 10 EASY WAYS TO GET ON THE ROAD TO BETTER OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS WITHOUT OVERHAULING YOUR ENTIRE LIFESTYLE OVERNIGHT. SMALL STEPS CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES OVER TIME. WHICH ONE WILL YOU START WITH?

© Stephen G. Arrowsmith 2024

--

--

Steve Arrowsmith, The Steve Approach

Steve lives and writes on two continents. He has been a lecturer, researcher, and a coach. His interests include helping those with disease and disability.