We can’t do much about our genes, but there are a lot of things we can do in our daily lives to keep us looking our best, and feeling our best. It is important to focus on your overall health, it’s not just about looking good on the outside. Stress and tension can wreak havoc on our bodies, and our general well being. We all struggle with too much on our plates these days, so it is important to keep some perspective, and make time to take care of ourselves.
I always like to get back to basics when I am not feeling my best. I start with looking at my diet, how much exercise I am getting and making sure I am getting enough sleep. Those three things can make a huge difference in how I feel, and look. And the good news: you will start feeling better right away.
#1: EXERCISE:
Start today with a power walk. Put on your favorite tunes, or listen to an inspiring podcast – I love to see what is new on iTunes in the podcast section, so many interesting interviews and new information. I promise, you will feel better after just one walk. Then, make exercise as important as any other event you put in your calendar. Schedule your exercise, write it in your calendar. Better yet, make a date to exercise with a friend, you are much more likely to cancel on yourself than on a friend.
#2: DIET:
What you eat is so important. The more your diet is plant based, the better. Take simple steps to cut out a few of the not so great things in your diet and replace them with something healthy. Try cutting out dessert, and having a piece of fruit instead. This time of year, tangerines are delicious. Put them out on the dinner table, and try one right after dinner, they are delicious. I also love to have a small piece of really good dark chocolate, it is so satisfying, and I don’t feel the urge to keep eating more sweets.
Two rules of thumb about your diet that can make a difference: no fried foods, and drink very few calories. Water is a great choice – all through the day. If you are a soda drinker, try skipping your soda for a week or so, and see how you feel. It’s an easy step that saves calories.
#3: SLEEP:
We all need a good night’s sleep! A recent study in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, showed that a lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your metabolism. The study showed that four hours a sleep a night for four nights can make your body insulin resistant, a condition that can lead to weight gain, diabetes and other health issues. The great thing about getting enough sleep, is you will start to feel better right away. It is a good idea to make your bedroom a peaceful place, no tv and no electronics. Lying in bed surfing the internet, tends to keep you wired up, whereas reading a book helps you slow down for the day.
Give it a try today: 3 easy modifications you can make to look and feel better right away.
I’d love to hear what you do to feel your best in the comments below.
