Read Time: 6 minutes
Are you looking for ways to improve the quality of your life? If so, you're not alone. Many people set huge goals for themselves at the start of a new year, only to get overwhelmed, disappointed, and fall off track by February.
The good news is that there are small steps you can take to be healthier and happier. These steps don't have to be hard, expensive, or time-consuming. They can even be fun!
Take a Daily Stroll Outdoors
Although we live in a world with countless options for entertainment, there's nothing like getting outside and walking around the block. It's one of the easiest ways to get some fresh air and clear your head while also hitting your weekly movement goals (remember, working out to stay healthy doesn't need to be extreme!).
Even if you only have time for a quick walk down the street, it can make all the difference in your day. If you're looking for something a little more challenging, consider taking up jogging or another form of exercise—but before doing so, make sure that it's safe and comfortable for you.
You'll be amazed at how many benefits come from simply getting up off the couch and using those minutes to take care of yourself! Remember: It doesn't matter how long (or short) your walk is; what matters is that you do it every day to reap the rewards.
Mindful Eating at Breakfast
Breakfast is an important meal, and it's a great way to practice mindful eating. Mindful eating is a wellness tool that helps you appreciate your meal and recognize body cues telling you you're full.
So instead of texting or checking Facebook while eating your toast in a hurry, put your to-do list for the day aside. Then sit down and use your senses to note how your food looks, smells, tastes, and textures it may have as you eat it.
You'll feel grounded in the moment, and science shows you'll experience more satisfaction with your meal if you slow down and appreciate the present. Not a bad way to start your day.
Treat Yourself
Finding a healthy indulgence can be one of the best ways to stay motivated. It's easy to lose sight of your goals when you don't reward yourself for the little wins, or simply treat yourself—you don't always need a reason! Humans need positive reinforcement and stimulation to feel motivated to keep pushing forward.
But when you have something that makes you happy and is also good for your body and mind? It's a win-win situation.
Here are some examples:
- A reasonable portion of a favorite food that's high in nutrients (focus on the nourishment and quality of the food, not the calories)
- A walk through the park with your dog or friend after work.
- Meditating for 10 minutes every morning on your porch (or wherever else it may be)
- Treating yourself to a body massage.
Stop Scrolling Socials at Night
Checking your social media at night can be a distraction from your relaxation, and screen time has been shown in studies to correlate with lower-quality sleep and restlessness.
If you’ve been spending time on Instagram or Facebook before bed, try replacing that time with a relaxing activity like journaling or taking a bath while listening to a podcast.
If you are looking to support healthy sleep and a restful night, then consider taking a melatonin supplement 30 minutes before bed. Try taking one before enjoying a screen-free activity before going to bed.
Practice Self-Love with Sticky Notes
You deserve to be happy. This is one of the most important things to remember regarding self-love and mental well-being. You have so much to offer the world!
If there's something holding back your happiness, it's likely because of negative thought patterns that have been programmed into your brain since childhood or early adulthood.
Try this activity out: write positive affirmations about yourself on colorful sticky notes. Then, put them on your door, your mirror, your desk, on your car visor, and between the pages of a book, you're reading, to name a few spots.
Even if this feels awkward to compliment yourself, you're giving yourself the support you need to build a positive outlook and view of yourself. If it's hard to find specifics, try something like "You're amazing", "Keep going", or "I am beautiful" to start.
Your attention to this one small step will help you build your self-esteem and improve your overall health by showing yourself that you are worth taking time for. By practicing self-love every day, we can reprogram those thoughts so they're more positive.
Practice Meaningful Connection
One of the best ways to keep yourself healthy is to make meaningful connections with others. This can be as simple as calling a friend, visiting a parent for a few hours, or even just sending a handwritten card to someone who’s going through something hard.
These connections are important because they help us feel less alone in the world. Even if you have a support system of friends and family, you can join a local group or community based on shared interests (such as volunteering at a shelter, attending book club meetings, etc.).
Take a Break Every Hour
Please take a moment to think about the last time you sat for an extended period. We’re talking hours here, not minutes or seconds. Chances are that your body was probably sore and stiff when you stood up again from not using your body.
We know many people work sitting at a desk, and the best way to combat the stiffness and pain that comes with extended sedentary hours is to get up, take a break, and move every hour. Even if it’s only for five minutes, you will feel so much better.
In fact, studies show that people who take breaks throughout the day are more productive than those who sit all day long. You can also try doing some stretches while walking or taking a few laps around your office space—just keep moving!
Daily Vitamin Regimen
Taking a daily vitamin supplement is a simple yet effective way to benefit your long-term health goals and your quality of life in the long run. Plus, it takes minimal effort to take a supplement with a daily meal.
The right supplement can help bridge the gap in nutrition deficiencies that many people face. Just make sure it is made without harmful additives or ingredients.
Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.
Small Changes Add Up
Small changes can add up to big results. Instead of something seeming like one large, looming task, it can seem much more manageable and simpler if you celebrate each day's wins separately.
This New Year, instead of setting an astronomical goal, try instead picking a few small changes that you can actually stick with. We can’t wait to see what you achieve this year!