January is the season for New Year's resolutions. This means more people at the gym, more purchasing healthier super foods like kale, and more readings of inspirational books. People put in a few weeks of drastic change and good effort into their new "healthy" lifestyle, only to give up after a few weeks. There are simpler ways to improve your lifestyle. Here are 11 small changes to help make your lifestyle healthier.
1. Take the stairs.
It's really easy to wait for the elevator, but it doesn't take much energy or effort. Taking the stairs is a better calorie burner, and will help you get at least some exercise in if you don't have time for the full 45 minutes.
2. Switch out a Pop Tart for pomegranate seeds.
Pomegranates are known as a super food, and for good reason, too. They're loaded with vitamin A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and antiviral properties. Eating a serving of seeds a day is very healthy.
3. Drink more water.
Soda may taste better, but drinking a lot of water can have much better health benefits. You're cutting back on sugar, as well as keeping your body hydrated and your skin healthy.
4. Swap pizza for a salad.
This seems like a bigger change, but you only have to do this one meal a week. Plus, greens like spinach are high in vitamin A, E, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and other minerals.
5. Go outside.
Even if you're only outdoors for a little while, fresh air is good for your body!
6. Find a hobby.
Get a job, pick up knitting, or photography, or something. Do something! In Japanese culture the word Ikigai means "reason for living." It's known in other cultures as the reason to get up out of bed in the morning. In a statistical analysis of length of life, studies showed that people who had an Ikigai lived longer than people who didn't.
7. Laugh.
Surround yourself with people that make you happy. Laughter decreases stress hormones, strengthens the immune system, and releases endorphins that make you feel good.
8. Breathe.
Meditate for a few minutes each day. Practice deep breathing exercises. Be spiritually aware. Studies have shown that spiritual health is necessary for one's well-being, even if you're only being spiritually aware of yourself.
9. Get more sleep.
Go to bed a little earlier every night to gradually increase the number of hours of sleep you're getting. Sleep is very important.
10. Keep stress levels at bay.
It's a lot harder than it sounds, but deep breathing, exercise, hanging out with friends, and activities like yoga can be good stress relief. Surround yourself with more enjoyable things. Eat that slice of cake. Take a warm bath. Keep yourself feeling happy!
11. Love yourself.
Understand that lifestyle changes aren't instant. They take time. Whatever changes you want to make to your life, make sure you love who you are, no matter what!
