If you’re not sure how to get and stay healthy, you’re not alone. Many people fall into the trap of believing that overall health has to be a huge hurdle. The truth is that it’s not, and there are many small practices you can apply to your daily life that will put you in a better position to manage your health without getting overwhelmed.
Start by getting organized.
If you have any type of medical condition, getting yourself organized and having all of your documents together is crucial at helping you communicate with your healthcare providers. Scan your files and turn them into PDFs. In order to use a PDF file converter, you’ll have to download a program, but then you’ll be able to reformat PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and other types of files into an easy-to-share format that all of your providers will appreciate.
Prioritize your mental health.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has declared July National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Even if you aren’t currently suffering from overt mental health concerns, now is a great time to evaluate your mental well-being and how your daily actions might affect you. Consider joining a support group if you find that your self check-in reveals you’re not doing quite as well as you thought.
Keep your house clean.
There are many reasons that keeping a clean home is a boon to your health. Not only does a cleaner home reduce stress, it can also benefit your physical well-being. If you currently use harsh cleaners, such as ammonia and bleach, do your research, and ditch these in lieu of healthier and more effective alternatives, like peroxide, vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Try yoga.
Yoga is good for the mind, body, and soul. You can drop in with Tatiana for morning beach yoga sessions to start your day off right. After your workout, make a point to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the bay.
Experiment with new recipes.
We tend to revolve our days around food, and that’s only natural. But, one thing that many of us neglect is preparing ahead of time so that we have healthy options when hunger pangs come to call. Fill your refrigerator and pantry with whole foods, such as lean proteins and vegetables, and don’t be afraid to try healthy versions of your favorite treats. Wholesome Yum shares a tasty sugar-free avocado brownie recipe that even the kids will love.
Enjoy time with friends.
Grab the girls, and start planning a weekend getaway with your best pals. The Venue Report blog shares several awesome options that you might consider. Breaking your daily grind is an excellent way to reset your mental and physical health thermometers and help you avoid burnout at home and at work.
Exercise with the kids.
If you’re busy raising a family, exercise might not be a top priority. But it should be. Even if you can’t make it to the gym or to the beach for a morning yoga session, strive for at least 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity every day. Walk to the mall, wash the car together, or simply run through the sprinklers. These and other simple activities make it easy to have fun with your family while keeping your muscles active and your heart strong.
From keeping your medical records in order and appreciating the state of your mental health to keeping your house clean and skipping town with your best friends, the small steps you take every day can help you get to where you need to be for your health and well-being. You don’t have to completely overhaul everything you do, but do make smart choices that help you live up to your best potential.