Living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t always have to involve dramatic changes. Instead, small changes can often significantly impact our physical and mental well-being. Here are a few powerfully effective ways to improve your health and budget.
Things You Can Do Today To Live A Healthier Lifestyle
Cut Back Consumption Of Animal Products
There are potential dangers associated with consuming meat and other animal products. For example, consuming red and processed meat increases the risk of some cancers, heart disease, and stroke. Animal products can also be high in saturated fat, contributing to high cholesterol levels and increasing the risk of heart disease.
Antibiotics and growth hormones used in animal agriculture can contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other health concerns. And the environmental impact of animal agriculture, including conditions, deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, is a growing concern.
Studies show that a diet with limited animal product consumption can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. So even if you don’t go vegan or vegetarian, reducing meat and adding vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can positively affect your health.
Protip: Need some inspiration for plant-based meals and snacks? Consider investing in a new cookbook!
Walk Or Bike Instead Of Driving
If you live somewhere you can walk or bike instead of driving, do it! Doing so is an excellent way to get exercise and fresh air, and it reduces your carbon footprint. If you can’t walk or bike for whatever reason, consider taking public transportation, using a rideshare service, or carpooling to reduce the number of cars on the road.
Add Houseplants
Indoor plants not only add a decorative touch to your home, but they offer numerous health benefits. They help purify the air, reduce stress, and improve mood. Common houseplants that are safe for homes with children and pets include:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- African Violet (Saintpaulia)
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
- Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
- Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
It’s important to note that even plants considered safe can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities, so keeping them out of reach from children and pets is recommended.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for good health. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. To improve the quality of your sleep, try to establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid electronics before bedtime, and create a relaxing sleep environment. In addition, removing as much light pollution as possible can help with achieving restful sleep.
Take Breaks Throughout The Day
Whether you are a knowledge worker that uses a desk all day or your job involves extended physical labor, taking breaks can help reduce stress and improve productivity. If not limited by your employment tasks and responsibilities, take short breaks every hour to stretch, walk around, or rest your eyes.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for good health, but many must drink more water. Dehydration can cause serious health problems, including a higher risk of kidney-related problems, urinary tract infections, and exhaustion. Ideally, most adults should consume at least eight glasses of water daily.
Protip: If it is easier to track, consider investing a water bottle to keep your water cold and ensure you drink enough!
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is being fully engaged and “present” in the current moment. Being present in the “now” instead of feeling anxious about the future or downbeat about the past reduces stress, improves focus, and promotes well-being. Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are excellent approaches to practicing mindfulness throughout the day.
Start Where You Stand!
Minor tweaks to your daily routine can significantly impact your health and well-being. After all, the little things that add up over and over contribute to sustainable success when working towards a healthier lifestyle.
We hope you’ll consider incorporating simple strategies into your everyday life to improve your physical and mental health and feel your best.
