By Cheryl Conklin
Healthy habits come with a wealth of benefits. They not only boost your energy and help you look your best but also reduce your stress and enhance your mood.
If you want to look and feel better than you ever have, don’t assume it will never happen. You might be surprised how many easy strategies you can integrate into your routine to improve your all-around health and well-being. Bernadine Otto of Live, Love And Eat magazine has listed a few here!
Love Yourself
You've probably heard it said that you can’t love others well without first loving yourself. Practicing self-love in your daily life is crucial to your health, well-being, and relationships. And you shouldn’t wait until you’ve made your desired improvements to think of and treat yourself nicely.
Learn to love yourself where you are now, and improve from there. Cultivating inner self-love and self-acceptance will build a firm foundation for the changes you wish to make. Further, CrowdInk suggests learning to view your flaws differently; see them as the beautiful imperfections they are — part of what makes you unique!
Another way that you can focus on feeling and looking your best is to look into buying new clothes. Look for comfortable clothes that don't sacrifice style. There are a number of excellent retailers that offer quality materials and fabrics in designs that are versatile and super soft, from dresses and loungewear to undergarments and sleepwear.
See a Therapist
You can make all the changes in the world and still benefit from therapy. Not a single person fully understands themselves and knows how to deal with every challenge in healthy ways. We’re all on a journey of self discovery.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or depression, consider trying virtual counseling. Online therapy requires less of a commitment and is arguably more private and secure than going to a therapist in person. It’s also less expensive and can save you a lot of time on travel. Take time to research online therapists, and take advantage of complimentary consultations until you meet the right therapist for you.
Treat Your Body Well
One of the most practical ways to look and feel your best is to be cognizant of how you treat your body. Ensure you are eating nutritiously; leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and fatty fish are excellent foods for any diet (as long as you’re not allergic to them).
Also, there are countless ways to fit in a good workout when you have limited time and money. Set aside 30 minutes a day for brisk walking, jogging, running, HIIT, yoga, swimming, or any other physical activities that get your blood flowing. You’ll feel less stress and be more productive while benefiting your long-term health.
Sleep Enough
It’s also critical to give your mind and body adequate rest. Sleep deprivation will negatively impact your energy levels, productivity, and mood. It can even be dangerous in some cases. Think of realistic changes you can make to your routine to foster better sleep.
For example, maybe you could redecorate your bedroom with new bedding and invest in blackout shades, a white noise machine, and an essential oils diffuser. Perhaps you could take a long bath or practice meditation at bedtime. Setting a reasonable bedtime for yourself can also help you get into a healthy sleep rhythm.
Take Control of Work-Related Stress by Going Back to School or Working from Home
It may be high time to alleviate stress at work. If you find that you're in a job that's too stressful or no longer a challenge, or if you’re simply ready to do something different, switching careers can be a boon for your mental health. These days, online degree programs make it easy to earn your master's while still working full-time or tending to family obligations. When looking for an online school, check to make sure it's accredited and that tuition is competitive. There are degree programs that span multiple industries, from criminal justice to psychology to business and more.
If you’d rather work from home, that arrangement can provide you with more opportunities to practice self-care. If you have any knowledge-based skills that could be used for freelance work, look for remote opportunities through online job boards. Even if you cut back at the office and pick up some part-time gigs, you’ll have more time to spend on getting the rest you need, exercising, preparing healthy meals, and cultivating your relationships.
Improve Your Living Environment
Finally, make sure your home is set up to support your health and wellness goals. Minto notes that it’s crucial that you live in a peaceful environment.
Create a cleaning and decluttering routine to keep each space tidy. Re-organize your cabinets and closets. Stock your refrigerator with healthy foods and filtered water. And think of any other ways you can make your home restful.
It’s not impossible to look and feel better when you’re busy. It actually may be easier than you think! Implement the tips above to foster your health and well-being, and remember to be kind to yourself as you take baby steps toward a better you. Lastly, consider working with a certified nutrition coach like Bernadine Otto if you need expert guidance on your health and life goals!
Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach and EFT Practitioner Bernadine Otto has coached thousands of people on health and wellness. Connect with Bernadine today to find out more! bernadine@liveloveandeatmagazine.com
Cheryl Conklin Wellness Central
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