We all know we should be healthier. Whether it’s the late-night takeaways, an extra glass of wine, or spending far too much time on the couch in front of Netflix, everyone has unhealthy habits they just can’t quit!
But despite the mounting pressure to ‘live your best life,’ we’re here to tell you that there’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself from time to time! In fact, giving yourself permission to be lazy on occasion can actually boost productivity by allowing your brain a chance to relax and recuperate.
That said, if you’re really struggling to get out of bed and your motivation isn’t snapping back after a lazy day or two, then it might be time to shake up your routine and incorporate some good habits to make yourself feel happier and healthier.
Below, we’ve included 11 of the best ways to get yourself out of an unhealthy rut. But don’t panic; there’s no need to incorporate all of these at once! Start small with one or two tricks and build up from there. You’ll be amazed how quickly a few tiny changes can help you get back on track.
Drink water when you wake up
The human body is 60% water, and you lose some of this overnight. Get your day off to the right start by drinking a large glass of water (that you prepared the night before) before you even get out of bed.
Establish a healthy morning routine
If you hate getting out of bed, a healthier morning routine could be the key to feeling more productive and capable first thing. This doesn’t need to be an action-packed morning that goes a million miles an hour! In fact, taking it slow and giving yourself a chance to wake up properly is the best way to start your day right.
Floss
Good dental hygiene won’t just make you more attractive, but it can also improve your self-esteem and mood, in addition to being linked to better health in general! Brush your teeth twice a day and floss after every meal: you’ll feel better in no time.
Get enough sleep
Most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep every night. If you’re not getting enough Zs, it might be worth downloading a sleep app and switching up your nighttime routine. Be sure to keep your room dark and cool, and avoid using your phone at night to improve your chances of drifting off quickly.
Change your environment, try something new
Sometimes you just need to clear your head and change things up. One fun idea to get out of town (especially when regular travel isn’t an option) is to give car camping a shot. Car camping (also known as SUV or truck camping, depending on what type of vehicle you use) is an extremely cheap and fun way to get out of town for the night and to not need to worry about hotels, flights, etc. Just get yourself a car camping air mattress, find a good spot and pack some food and bedding – you’ll be on your way.
Take the stairs
It can be tough to motivate yourself to be more active, especially when you’re stuck in a rut. If you can’t bear to visit the gym, making a few small, healthy choices can improve your fitness level, make your body slim, and improve your mental health. Leave your car at home, use the stairs instead of the elevator, and go for walks to your favorite spots or coffee shops at lunch to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
Stand up every 30 minutes
If you work with computers, you’re probably not standing or walking around anywhere near as much as you should be! The human body really isn’t designed to sit at a desk all day, so try to stand up (and possibly walk around the office) every 30 minutes.
Check your posture
Better posture can improve your breathing, make you look more attractive, and even boost your mood. Mentally check your posture throughout the day: sit/stand taller, pull your shoulders down from your ears, and unclench the muscles in your face regularly.
Balance your plate
If you’re struggling to eat healthier, a simple tip is to make every plate 50% vegetables. Veggies are packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that will help you look and feel healthier.
Create colorful dishes
When making food for yourself or the family, include as many different colors as possible to create a varied and nutritional diet. The rainbow diet is a brilliant way to incorporate more fruit and veggies into your diet (not to mention it’s a very Insta-worthy way of preparing food)!
Eat “real food”
Make healthier dinnertime choices by avoiding processed and unnatural foods where possible. Ideally, everything you consume should be made with “real” food ingredients. Going organic is also great for your body, mind, and the planet.
Get into meal prepping
Meal prepping can be as simple as making sandwiches and packing a lunch box, or you could go further by cooking in advance for the week. Making delicious dishes in your Dutch oven (like the ones from Uno Casa) is a great way to set yourself up for success… Plus, having emergency meals in the freezer will help reduce the temptation of a greasy takeout when you can’t be bothered to cook!
4 Small Steps For Big Health Change – Part 1 – Water
