7 simple ideas for becoming a happier, healthier person
As a health editor, I spend the majority of my day poring over content related to, well, health, writes Amanda L Chan for the Huffington Post. During this time themes begin to emerge loudly and clearly. It becomes obvious what is considered a universal “good.” These things are often relatively straightforward, and it’s clear that life would be happier and healthier if we would just do them. Sure, some of these are easier said than done, but their premises are often simple. I wanted to share a few of my favourites.
1. Have a bedtime: Sleep is considered the third pillar of health, and for good reason. Research is only making it increasingly clear that not getting enough of the stuff can have serious health effects. Meanwhile, getting enough sleep is good for everything ranging from weight, to mood, to even the immune system. One of the simplest things you can do to ensure you get enough sleep each night is to set a bedtime. Forgive yourself if you can’t meet it every night (I tell myself I need to be in bed by midnight, but life gets in the way, and all of a sudden it’s 1:30 a.m.), but make a point to try to stick to it.
2. Take a minute: This is something I’m admittedly still working on. I’m an objectively fast person – fast at walking, fast at eating, fast at talking, you get the gist. This also makes me very impatient, and also sometimes very unobservant – stopping to smell the roses has never been my strong suit. But slowing down to appreciate life and all its little moments builds gratitude – and that’s a very healthy thing.
3. Find an exercise you actually enjoy: Research has shown that whether we think of fitness as “fun” or “exercise” affects how much we end up eating. For me, exercise is a pill best swallowed as volleyball. For you, it may be dancing, or swimming, or riding your bike. Don’t think that just because you don’t like “conventional” exercise – running, going to the gym, etc. – you’re “bad at exercise.” No such thing!
4. Know when to stay off your phone: This is another one of those things I’m still trying to be better at. There are times for Instagramming and texting, and there are times where it’s truly obvious you’re not present because your eyes are glued to your screen. I had one of those moments a few days ago, when I was out to dinner – I was so focused on answering some work emails, that when I finally looked up, I realized my dinner companions were silent, and had been waiting for me to get off my phone. It was a disruption and a distraction, and frankly, quite rude. Let’s all make a point to end the madness.
5. Drink more water: Not only does drinking water keep you feeling full – so you’re not ravenously hungry (and overeating as a result) – it is also a way to not drink sugary beverages.
When you’re drinking water, you’re not drinking soda or sugary juice.
6. Cook food yourself: Sure, on the surface, a salad is healthy. But when a restaurant loads it down with sugary salad dressing and croutons, it can be anything but. The same goes for any other food, whether it’s ordered at a restaurant or found in the freezer aisle at the grocery store. What’s become abundantly clear to me, is that the best way to truly know what you’re eating is to just make it yourself. Your eyes may be widened at how much salt you’re eating, for instance, when you’re the one measuring the teaspoons into your dish.
7. Stop worrying so much: Writing this piece about worrying was an eye-opener for me. As a Type A person, I also tend to be a worrier – always wanting to be prepared for the worst, with a Plan A, B and C for action. But here’s a revelation; worrying isn’t actually action.
Worrying is just getting in your own head, creating a spiral of worst-case scenarios (that often don’t even end up happening) that is very rarely productive. Instead, focus on the present. Maintain perspective in a worrying situation, considering what’s actually likely to happen. Have confidence that you will be able to make it through.
Posted by Monitoring Desk
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