After struggling with health issues I've learned a lot about health and wellness and I think it would be great if people could add things to this list. Small changes that can be made that make a HUGE difference in the long run. Here are some of mine:
Remember slow and steady changes are more likely to last. Try doing one thing for a week or two. Grab a blank notebook and write the change you are going to make that week at the top. Then use the rest of that page to keep track of how many days you made the change, write it scribble down anything related to it. If you are struggling-write down why it has been hard to stick to. This doesn't have to be a neat and pretty notebook, just use it to gather information. At the end of the week or two week period, evaluate if the change you made had any effect on you. That way you can see if it is something that is worth it to YOU. Start small. And for goodness sake if you "mess-up" early in the day don't just say "I will start tomorrow. Today's messed up" we gave all done this with dieting and it doesn't work. If your goal is to cut out chocolate and you wake up and have some for breakfast-so what. The rest of the day can be a success. No one is perfect. Really grab a notebook throw a pencil by it and give it a try.
1) Drink more water throughout the day
2) Add in 2 or 3 -10min breaks in the middle of the day, where you go outside and get fresh air. Sit in a chair and just look at the trees, or read a book, watch your dogs play. Just get out here and there throughout the day.
3) Take 3 to 5 mins in the morning to stretch. Any stretches at all. Start small. You can even do this while still in bed!
4) Try cutting out some of the added sugars in your diet. Look at packages. Almost everything now has it in it. Even things like noodle soup and bread. Cut back on added sugars.
5) Instead of trying to start a "diet", make some small changes. Grab a bag of frozen fruit at the store. Your choice. Blueberries. Pineapple. Your choice. Once a day add in a few pieces. You can still eat what you planned on, just add in some fruit. I use frozen because it doesnt go bad so you don't have to clean it and wash it and feel guilty when you throw it out at the end of the week uneaten! I would suggest doing the same with a veggie of your choice. Truly, the antioxidants in berries are amazing. And there is pharmaceutical company that is trying to put the good things in broccoli into a pill to sell you! Don't force yourself to eat something you hate. That is silly. Try things and find something you like or are at least indifferent to. Small steps.
6) If you have a pet, make their life better. Try adding in a walk if you have a dog. Even a short 5 min walk will thrill them and be good for you. Or grab a brush and brush your pet for a few mins. It is very therapeutic.
7) Music! You need more music in your life. To don't need to spend hours creating the perfect list. There are radio stations, or my favorite are the music channels. Choose a few songs that make you feel up and motivated and put it on as you shower or while you are getting dressed. Try the same for bed time. In the evening, getting ready for bed put on something that has a zen-like effect for you.
8) Replace one 20 min TV show that you watch with some motivating music videos. Don't get caught up for too long. Use a timer if you need to.
9) Commit to waking up 10 mins earlier in the morning and/or going to sleep 10 mins sooner each night. 10 mins isn't much , but look above and you can see you can use that time for putting on some music and stretching.
10) Pick a subject that interests you. Anything from a random question.... I've always wondered what sloths eat... To being interested in the stars . Whatever the subject matter is, just pick one. Write it down in the notebook and fir the next week/2 weeks set aside 10 mins a day to researching it. Write down what you learn. This will exercise your mind and just 10 mins a day of learning about a subject, everyday, will go along way. It doesn't matter what you learn about.
11)Once a week.Go to the library. Or write a hand written note to someone you care about. Do something that we often don't do in this day and age. Everyone loves getting something in the mail. Write to your grandma or mother. Or , even a perfect stranger. I've done this. I choose a random address. Write a short note. Something inspiring and state you are trying to bring back the art of writing. If you can afford 3 stamps, then when you mail your letter/note, include a prestamped envelope with your address on it so they can write back and also a blank one and encourage then to write to someone random to keep things going. People will surprise you.
Please add suggestions. Remember these are small, easy changes. And make sure you keep track of your progress or somehow reviews how the changes made you feel. I for one know that I can't knit. I don't like it, but I tried it. It is in my note book as having tried it and I know it isn't for me. But other things I have liked.
Please add suggestions..
Pouffe or piano stool.
Ok some more bad jokes 🙉😊
Quotation for Saturday 18th April 2020