Six Easy Ways To Lead A Healthier Lifestyle

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By Mark Enright

healthychoiceMany people make changes to their lifestyle in the New Year. However, busy work routines often get in the way and the majority of people are back to their old ways by the end of January. The problem is that the changes that people make are often too drastic to be sustainable. Not only that, but it doesn’t have to be January that you seek change – don’t wait for the New Year to better your life; you can do that any time of the year!

Here are 10 simple changes you can make which will have a big impact in the long run:

Adopt a positive attitude

Do not view the changes you make as a necessary evil. See them for what they are: the key to better health and increased confidence. By accepting that you will not see results quickly and by viewing the bigger picture, the new things you are doing will quickly become a part of your life, not an unwelcome intrusion.

Get more exercise

Incorporating more exercise into your daily routine doesn’t have to mean going jogging every day or joining a gym. Simple things such as taking the stairs instead of the lift and walking to work in the morning will make a big difference. Buying a pedometer and setting yourself a step target for the day will ensure that you are mobile enough.

Replace your unhealthy snacks

If you have an office job, odds are that you often snack at your desk. Replace what you are eating with healthy alternatives, such as nuts or fruit. This will help to keep hunger pangs at bay and stop cravings for junk food.

Eat more vegetables

fruitswhiteFive fruits and veggies per day is the magic number, so aim for this. Getting more fruit and veg means you will increase your vitamin intake. This translates to many health benefits, such as a stronger immune system, healthier skin and nails and more energy. If you are struggling to eat enough healthy foods, try making them into a smoothie – it will taste better than you think!

Get enough sleep

Many people are guilty of not getting enough sleep. Work, watching television and browsing the internet are the usual culprits behind late nights. If you struggle to fall asleep at night, try drinking warm milk or having a small snack; both of these have been shown to aid relaxation. Getting a good night’s sleep is key if you are planning on exercising the next day.

Take food supplements

Food supplements should be exactly that: supplements. The majority of your vitamin intake should be from whole foods. Supplements can be used to top up your intake levels. A multivitamin is a simple fix, which will lead to your health improving over time.

Following these simple tips will make it easier to hit your health goals in 2014.

Are you seeking to make changes in the new year? What are they? Leave a comment below and let us know.

– This piece was written by Mark Enright, a writer for The Light, a retail and leisure complex containing a multitude of shops and restaurants.