On the Road Again: Map Out Your Healthier Lifestyle
The highway to better health is sometimes littered with potholes. In order to get to where you want to go, you need to make decisions now about the kind of person you want to be and the kind of life you want to live. Undertaking a journey to become healthier and happier is more easily said than done, but it’s worth the effort in the end. Here are some of the stops you may hit along the way as you travel down the road to a healthier, happier life.
Pit stop #1: Start small with daily workouts
Short, bodyweight-inspired workouts can improve your physical fitness and don’t have to take all day. High-intensity intermittent exercise can also help you lose weight, feel better, and improve your stamina. Push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, and burpees are all examples of the kinds of movements you can do to incorporate small workout routines into your everyday activities. For at-home workouts, you can get creative with the weight you add to your routine, as well — it doesn’t have to be all kettlebells! You can use a stack of books or a large bag of cat food.
As you’re incorporating more workouts into your daily routine, if you’re looking for motivation, buying new athleticwear might be just the ticket. Workout clothes (like a good sports bra, leggings, and tank tops) should be comfortable and instill confidence, but shouldn’t sacrifice style. You should feel good and look good — this will help with the motivation!
Pit stop #2: Drink more water!
Here’s a secret: You’re probably not drinking enough water. The Mayo Clinic recommends about 16 cups of water a day for men, and 12 cups for women. You may also need to increase these amounts if you’re exercising or if you live in a drier climate.
Pit stop #3: Start meal planning
Meal planning can help you get a head start on the week and give you time back in your busy day. In addition, if you’re being more conscious at the beginning of the week about what you’re going to eat, it’s less likely you’ll be snacking during the week. Researchers have even noted that those who meal prep are more likely to reach their health goals. Incorporating this kind of thinking into your weekly routine can be a great habit to take up in service to reaching your goal.
Pit stop #4: Get more sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2016 that more than one-third of US adults weren’t getting enough sleep at night, and the numbers haven’t gotten much better since. The recommended amount is seven to eight hours per night. It’s critical for optimal brain function and for helping your cells regenerate after a long day of work and exercise. To create better sleep habits, start with a schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and create a dark, comfortable space for sleeping in the evening.
Bring it all together
As you undertake your journey, stopping at all these recommended pit stops will be key to creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Written by Guest Blogger Emily Graham at mightymoms.net
If you are ready to find balance in your life and start caring for your mental health, Where You Are Counseling can give you the support you need. (973) 512-3689