Making a resolute decision to change your daily habits and your life consequently is no easy task. And while people are always talking about doing something substantial in regards to turning the page, most of us seem to struggle greatly with keeping up with those plans long term.
Various stressful situations at work or at home, not enough sleep, bad eating habits, lack of relaxation time – all of this accumulates and makes things tougher. There are numerous guidances on how to change this approach and start living life better.
Most of them focus on living stress-free, with healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise habits for a good reason. Here are some simple tips on how to actually accomplish these things and stick with the set plan for good.
Be Fully Aware Of the Things You Put Into Your Body
This is probably the first step towards feeling better overall. As soon as you start paying closer attention to the things that you eat and drink on a daily basis, you’ll instantly feel invigorated.
Often times people don’t even realize that the stuff that they’re filling their body with negatively affects their mood, sleep, concentration for work and other activities. And just like with any other change of habit, you need to start this slowly.
At first, you’ll crave all those sugary, creamy, and full-of-saturated-fats things, but this is the perfect opportunity for you to challenge yourself. Once you realize how much is at stake here, you’ll definitely consider stopping eating junk food for good.
On top of this, stay away from drinking your calories. Many people don’t realize that this habit adds to their weight quickly and makes them feel sluggish from all that sugar levels constantly dropping and rising throughout the day. Remember that water is your best friend when it comes to staying hydrated.
Follow An Exercise Regiment That Suits You the Most
Pick up the sport or the activity that you actually enjoy doing. It doesn’t matter if it’s swimming, biking, jogging, dancing, going to the gym or just walking around the neighborhood – the important thing is to choose the one (or multiple) that doesn’t bother you or bore you in any way.
And just like with implementing a healthy diet, you need to start slowly. Don’t go to the gym and leave your heart out, and then fail to turn up the next day. You’re not doing this just to sweat out that extra doughnut that you had after lunch, but to set yourself for the path of overall well-being.
Start Paying More Attention To Your Well-Being
Speaking of well-being, when was the last time you truly did something for your well-being? Things like going to work, earning for a living, taking care of family do not count, although you might have been doing these things for yourself essentially. But the thing that you’re missing out is doing stuff for your overall well-being – both mental and physical.
It is of utmost importance to treat yourself from time to time with things that are going to help you improve your state of mind and body. For instance, in order to feel comfortable in your own skin, relaxed and to be healthy, you can indulge in aromatherapy. Experts, like the people at Movement 101 for example, can be of great help when it comes to professional massage therapy.
Find Time For Some Good-Quality Sleep
Eating, exercising and relaxing are all great, but you need to sleep well in order to be up for the challenges of everyday life. Make sure to have at least 7-8 hours of night sleep. No nap during the day can replace the night hours. If you have trouble getting in bed early, or you have difficulties falling asleep, remember not to use any electrical devices prior.
Set a time that suits you the most and follow this routine. Switch off your smartphone, tablet, or TV and try to read a book instead. Shortly you’ll notice that your sleeping routine has improved significantly. As a result, you’ll feel more energized and won’t have any troubles completing the daily tasks.
Conclusion
If you’re determined to change your habits and life in general, the most important thing is to draw up a good plan and then follow it no matter what. But even if you have a bad meal or two, skip a day or week of exercising – don’t beat yourself up, it’s really not the end of the world. Just make sure to get back on track as quickly as possible, and try as hard as you can to not completely fall back to the previous lifestyle pattern.
Guest post by Lena Hemsworth
Image credit: unsplash.com