We all know we should live healthier, but sometimes, that’s easier said than done. However, there are always opportunities out there to cultivate healthy habits and improve our quality of life. Today, Kay Miller Smith provides a few suggestions – as well as some advice on how to actually stick with them!

Weight Loss

Amongst the most common fitness goals is losing weight. This may be for aesthetic or health reasons. Either way, there are plenty of key strategies that can help us to hit our goals.

    • Diet: A change of diet is the easiest way to spark weight loss and better bodily health. This could mean eating more fruits and vegetables to provide numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving digestion, and supporting a healthy weight. To make it easy, start by substituting meats with other lean proteins, such as tofu and legumes (including lentils and black beans).
    • Exercise: Exercise helps us to regulate physical and mental health by reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting energy levels. If you’ve been out of action for a while, Women’s Running points out that a great way to start exercising is to find an activity you enjoy, like swimming, cycling, or even dancing, and schedule it into your day. Even just a short walk can quickly improve your mood and energy levels; this is made even more convenient if you happen to live in an area with a high Walk Score, which measures a locality’s walkability.
    • Resources: There is plenty of misinformation when it comes to weight loss, so be sure to seek out a reputable source of information where you can read up on the best, research-backed advice, diet, and exercise tips.

Meditation

For a goal that can improve both body and mind, you could do much worse than meditation. Scientific American notes that meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and even boost the immune system. To get started, try setting aside a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. There are many resources available to help you learn techniques, such as online classes, apps, and podcasts that can guide you through the process.

Decluttering

Clearing your home environment of any needless, negative or unnecessary items is a great way to free up more physical and mental space. You may even find that good decluttering relieves tension, clears bad energy, and improves the atmosphere amongst those who live with you – start by looking up guides online and seeing what small steps you can take to get started.

 

Digital Detox

It’s difficult to overstate just how beneficial time spent offline can be for our mental and physical well-being. The constant stimulation and pressure to be always connected is shown to induce anxiety and increase rates of depression. To offset this, set time limits or boundaries for your technology usage that can help you to focus on what’s important and reduce negative stimuli.

 

Learning a Language

Learning a new language not only provides cognitive benefits, it can also increase cultural understanding and help with personal growth. An easy way to start learning a new language is to use an app or online course or even find a language exchange partner. Even just dedicating a few minutes a day to learning can contribute to steady progress.

Making habits is easy. Sticking to them? Less so. It’s important, then, to set reasonable expectations and employ a forgiving, encouraging mindset as you set your goals. With the right approach, there’s no reason you can’t hit your highest targets.


Kay Miller Smith is the wellness and transformation coach you’ve been looking for. Call 817-683-9045.

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