9 Simple Things You Can Do for Better Health and Wellbeing

By Your Health Magazine

Although it does help, you don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul to be healthier, more energized, and balanced in your life. Sometimes the simplest changes can make the biggest impact. By adding small, mindful habits into your daily routine, you can improve your physical health, boost your mood, and enjoy more peace in your life.

Here are some things you can do even if you’re short on time.

1. Wear compression socks if you sit for long periods

Sitting for long periods of time at a desk is normal in today’s world, but it can become a problem. The lymphatic system doesn’t have an internal pump and relies on movement to circulate fluid. Sitting puts you at risk for stagnant lymph fluid in your ankles and feet, as well as compromised blood circulation. Compression socks are an easy way to support your health when you have to sit for hours on end.

You can also wear compression socks while you run and it will help even if you only have time to go around the block once or twice. The gentle compression can reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, and help you recover faster.

2. Stay hydrated

Everyone knows they need to drink water throughout the day, but staying hydrated is far more important than you may think. It’s not just about quenching thirst – your body needs water to run its internal processes, including transporting nutrients and digestion.

How much water each person needs throughout the day will differ based on lifestyle and other factors, but as a general rule, never allow yourself to feel dehydrated, but don’t guzzle water all day long because too much water can be harmful.

3. Start eating nutrient-dense foods

When you switch up your meals to include nutrient-dense foods, you’ll get better nutrition to fuel your body. Choose whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible, like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Add in some healthy fats, like nuts and avocado, and you won’t feel hungry all the time.

4. Eliminate sugar and refined carbs

You’d be surprised to see how much better you can feel when you simply stop consuming sugar and refined carbohydrates. Sugar causes inflammation, makes you hungry, and can disrupt your body’s natural metabolic processes, leading to weight gain and even diabetes.

5. Bring healthier snacks when you travel

Whether you’re getting on a plane, heading to work, or taking a walk, bring healthy snacks instead of candy or junk food. For example, instead of grabbing a pack of Skittles to snack on at work, pack your bag with some Kind bars to get relatively unprocessed nuts and fruit.

6. Avoid fast food

One of the easiest ways to start improving your health is to avoid fast food completely. No matter how much you want to stop at Taco Bell on the way home from work, wait and make yourself a better meal when you get home. You can make your own hearty tacos with high-quality ingredients for much less than the cost of fast food.

7. Treat yourself once in a while

While it’s crucial to pay attention to your physical health, you also need to maintain your mental wellbeing. If you’re constantly avoiding all snacks and treats, you’re probably going to feel deprived at some point. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a tasty snack once in a while, like ice cream, soda, chips, candy, or chocolate. Just avoid turning it into a habit.

8. Practice mindfulness daily

A daily mindfulness practice will help you stay stress-free and quiet your mind. You can start by sitting quietly for 5-10 minutes each day before you head out to work, and end your day in the same manner. It helps to focus on deep breathing while you’re sitting quietly. This will lower your cortisol levels and calm your nervous system. Keeping a daily gratitude journal is also helpful to maintain a positive outlook on life.

9. Spend time outdoors

Even if you only have five minutes to take a quick walk up and down the street, or stand outside and breathe for a few minutes, spend time outdoors. Your body needs movement and fresh air, and it’s important to make physical contact with the Earth by walking barefoot on the grass or dirt.

Small steps lead to big results

Improving your physical and mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with simple choices, like eating better, staying hydrated, and meditating each day. With consistency, these actions will become a natural part of your daily routine.