Sometimes, all it takes are a few small changes and tweaks to overhaul your life
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Every new year bids a clean slate for your health and fitness goals. It calls for a renewed sense of motivation, providing you with energy to keep up with resolutions. Our advice? Start with small, easy upkeeps in your diet and routine. In the long run, these little changes can bring monumental results to your lifestyle, fitness, and overall health. Here’s a roundup of easy tricks and tweaks to keep you healthy in the upcoming year.
1. Wake up with lemon water
Say good morning to a more energized version of yourself with a glass of lemon water. Squeeze half of the fruit into a tall glass to pack in the vitamin C you need for the day. Drinking the mixture before starting the day will help boost immunity, keep you hydrated, and encourage proper digestion.
2. Start the day with deep breaths and stretching
Recuperate by pairing slow rhythmical breaths and stretching. Take time to breathe consciously and focus on bringing oxygen deeper into your lungs. In effect, you’ll become more calm and focused. Getting oxygen in your blood cleanses it and in turn, energizes you for the day.
3. Sleep and snooze well
You are never more efficient than when you are well-rested. Health notes a Stanford University study that proves sleep enriches athletes’ performance, “(It) found that college football players who tried to sleep at least 10 hours a night for seven to eight weeks improved their average sprint time and had less daytime fatigue and more stamina.” Therefore, you can perform your best, lessen stress, and be at the top of your game by sleeping eight hours every night. Talk about tweaks that keep on giving.
4. Update your food stock
Food made readily available to you is food you’ll desire. Revamp your food intake by updating your refrigerator. From easy snacks to ready-to-eat meals, have options that are healthier versions of what you usually consume. Stock up on wheat rather than your usual loaf, substitute fruit when you’re craving sugar, and munch on healthy protein like fish, tofu, and beans instead of meat.
5. Get some sun
A tweak that crams in a bit of time outdoors as much as getting your dose of vitamin D. Medical Daily reports that increased exposure to the sun beckons a better night’s sleep. It also enhances your mood and lowers blood pressure.
6. Drink black coffee
Can’t cut your relationship with coffee? Then steer clear of milk-based drinks. Opt for a simple cup of black coffee. It’s rich in antioxidants and low in fat and calories. Avoid late-night caffeine intake and take in around 200 and 300 milligrams of caffeine per day to gain optimum benefits.
7. Take the physical route
Park a few blocks away from the office, walk to work, or take the stairs. Another way to burn a few calories is by choosing an alternate route to get to work. These quick and simple exercises help keep your body in shape.
8. Exercise… your mind
Contributing to a healthier you are exercises that improve mental fitness. Do math manually in your head when the situation calls for it to stimulate the brain. Also, try learning a new recipe; cooking entails the use of smell, touch, sight, and taste, rousing many parts of your mind. A healthy balance of mental and physical fitness will keep you in tiptop condition.
9. Take that work break
Get out of the office slump by eating out and making the most of your one-hour break. Going out is an opportunity to cramp in more exercise. More so, walking after a full meal helps you stay awake for another productive afternoon of work.
10. Treat yourself
These are tweaks that can make a huge difference: Take a day out to unwind, listen to music, or read a book. Relaxation comes in all activities that are enjoyable to you. Let go of stress and feel the tension weighing you down go away with fast and fun activities.