If you’ve been feeling a little down lately, both physically and mentally, it’s time to give your health a small push. Luckily, you don’t have to do anything crazy in order to improve your general health. Oftentimes, small changes go a long way. So, here’s what you can do to make yourself feel and look better.
Check your posture
We all spend a lot of time on your computers and phones, but next time you find yourself seated behind the desk, take time to examine your posture. Most of the time, you’ll find yourself slouching. So, straighten up your back, tuck your stomach in and place your feet flat on the floor. This will not only help you battle back pain (one of the most common pain complaints in the world) but also make you feel more relaxed.
If you work behind a computer, take a good look at your setup and make sure it’s ergonomic. If your setup isn’t good, you risk a lot of ailments like back and neck pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain and many other injuries. So, make sure to adjust the height of your chair, reposition your monitor and take regular breaks. A five-minute walk around the office will be enough to rest your eyes and stretch your body.
Swap bad for good
Even if your eating habits aren’t that bad, you can still make them better with a few small swaps. For instance, you can ditch white bread, white rice and white pasta for healthier whole-grain types. Or, you can stick to meet but remove the skin from your chicken and turkey recipes that will make them less fatty. If you can’t stir clear of sodas and juices, make an effort to replace at least one glass with plain water. Snacks between meals can also be healthier. Instead of reaching for chips or cookies, you can opt for nuts or fresh fruits. Veggie sticks dipped in hummus or fruit dipped in peanut butter are also great snack options.
Stay away from salt
We need minerals in our diet, but too much salt is not good for your health. So, don’t keep your saltshaker on the table while you eat because it will be much easier to reach for it. Before you put more salt in, make sure to try your meal well and be mindful whether you really need some extra salt. It’s much better to enhance flavor with spices like garlic, red pepper, herbs, salt-free seasoning blends and lemon juice.
Reduce stress with cannabis
Right now, we’re going through a real stress epidemic. We all struggle to juggle our careers, family life and social life which can take a huge toll on our mental health. One of the best and easiest ways to put a stop to your stress and anxiety is to try cannabis products. Find a good dispensary and you’ll get access to many different products. Places like Shango marijuana dispensary have everything from flowers to edibles and topicals. If medical marijuana sounds good to you, feel free to experiment and see how your stress levels respond. Many people report various mental AND physical benefits, so why not give it a shot?
Take the stairs
If you’re not much of a gym rat, you don’t have to grab a membership in order to better your health. Next time you’re heading to the third floor of your office, take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. You can also skip the subway and take a walk next time you’re heading downtown.
Exercise your brain
Grab a book, do a crossword puzzle or Sudoku or find a chess partner. These mentally challenging activities are not only fun, but they are also great at lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Not into puzzles? Challenge your brain by eating with your non-dominant hand, exploring new conversation topics and traveling.
Catch enough Zzzzs
Most adults don’t get nearly enough sleep as they should. While you can go without enough sleep for a long time, eventually your body will start to rebel. Sleep deprivation leads to a higher risk of heart attack, depression and weight gain.
None of these tips require you to change your life drastically, yet they bring great results. Once you adopt these good habits, you’ll feel like a new person that holds their health firmly in their hands.