Make Learning How to be Healthier Part of Your To Do List

Is Learning How to be Healthier on Your To-Do list?

Learning how to live a healthier lifestyle is always one of those things that’s always on my radar. I’ve learned a lot over the years but there’s still a lot I don’t know.

Discovering an allergy to soy in my 20’s put me on a fast track to better health but since my only goal was to eliminate soy there was still a lot I left out.

Through the years I’ve learned more and applied more of healthier living to my life and that of myfamily.

But one of the problems is that becoming healthier is more than just one thing.

It encompasses many things and all areas of your life. It’s more than just eating better and exercising.

There’s the stuff you put on your body as well as in. There’s your outlook on life and your relationships. There’s getting rest and rejuvenation. The list can go on and can be overwhelming.

So there’s only one thing to do. Tackle each area of learning to be healthier one step at a time.

6 Steps to Learning How to be Healthier?

I’m no expert but I know, that like with anything, starting with the most important and pressing matters is a great way to let healthier living infuse the rest of your life.

Here are some tips to help you start making healthier lifestyle changes in your life….

1. Make a List: Before you do anything, make a list. A list of health and wellness issues you want to address. This list will help you to prioritize things. If you simply say, “I want to get healthy”,  you won’t get very far because there are individual things you need to address. Look at what is most affecting you right now that needs to change. For me it’s healthy breakfasts (I struggle with this which is why I started my series 52 Weeks of Fresh Breakfast Ideas that I have yet to finish). Then I would like to get back into exercising (can’t count how many times I’ve fallen off this bandwagon). If you don’t have a record of you health or even your family’s health I recommend The Wellness Notebook. This printable ebook is filled with pages that keep track the health records for the whole family. It’s a great resource to have for when anything comes up health related.
2. Take it Slow: Admittedly changes don’t come overnight. This is a hard pill to swallow but perseverance breeds results. Hang in there and don’t give up! I have a hard time getting this across to my young daughter. It took a lifetime to develop those bad habits that led to where you are now. It won’t take a lifetime to sort it out but it will take some time. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Understand that you will have setbacks, but that it does not mean that you have failed and should give up. As Trim Healthy Mamas say you’re only 3 hours away from the next from the next smart choice. Pick yourself up and get moving again.
3. Give it 30 Days: Try a 30-day makeover. Have you heard the saying that it takes takes about three weeks to make or break a habit (21 Days)?  So, in 30 days, you will have whatever your new healthy habit is down pat. Whatever you decide to change about yourself, a month gives you enough time to see if the changes will stick and if they are right for you. And only try one new thing at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself.
4. Watch what you eat: No I don’t mean watch it going in your mouth. Although that may work with some people. I know what a pleasure it is to eat good food. My mother and I have long conversations on great recipes and good food. But we both suffer from allergies so many of those conversations are on alternatives and healthy ideas. Through this we have discovered how much eating good foods will strengthen your body and your mind. It is one key to better health and outlook on life. Try weaning yourself off of certain unhealthy foods a little at a time until you don’t want to eat them anymore or can handle them in moderation once in a while. Here’s a tip….start with sugar.
5. Begin an Exercise Program: Ah that dreaded word. But there are so many ways to exercise that it pays to find one that fits your lifestyle. In winter I use videos and in Spring and Summer I love to just take a nice walk along with getting in some gardening.  Exercise not only helps you look better but also increases concentration and a sense of wellbeing. Endorphins are released to elevate your mood like a great pick-me-up just when you need it. Start off with a simple exercise like walking and then add in strength training to tone muscles and prevent bone loss. If you are an Amazon Prime member you have access to some free exercise videos online.
6. Develop some Routines: I love routines. I discovered the importance of them when my daughter was a baby.  We often lack order in our lives. We get up at different times and go to sleep whenever we fall into bed. Sleep is when our body restores itself. It’s the time when your body is able to process what has happened during the day and also do some repair work. When we don’t get enough sleep, stress begins to affect us and not in a good way. You know how you can get sicker easier when you’re more tired or suffering from lack of sleep.  Ask me how I know. No matter whatever else is going on, decide to get up and go to bed at the same time as part of your routine. You will learn to prioritize your day to get the rest and relaxation that you need.

These are but a few tips to help you get going on learning how to be healthier. Remember to give it time and to change one aspect of your health at a time.

pssst. Crystal’s new ecourse 15 Days to a Healthier You is coming out tomorrow! Don’t miss this deal!