Many of us make a promise to ourselves to get healthier, but it takes some commitment to stick to it, especially if you lead a busy lifestyle. If you’ve found yourself veering away from the promises you made to yourself, it’s time to get back in gear and find ways to get healthy.
It may seem easier said than done, but there are some tricks to getting in shape and staying that way. One of the best is to recruit friends and family to get active and to enjoy a healthier diet along with you. Invite your loved ones to start a workout group that meets a few times a week, or start a family game night during the warmer months when everyone can get outdoors and play together. Here are a few more of the best tips for getting in shape and taking control.
Get the Kids Involved
If you have kids, one of the best things you can do is start getting active with them at home. Not only does daily exercise promote self-esteem and boost mood and energy levels, it can help you bond as a family and will teach the younger generation about teamwork and self-care. When the weather is good, get out to the park (or just to the backyard) for a game of kickball, or go for a long walk after dinner. You don’t have to spend money to get active and have fun.
Incorporate Healthy Habits Into Daily Living
One of the easiest ways to ensure you stay on the healthy track is to make healthy habits part of your everyday routine; rather than squeezing in a workout where you can, set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier than normal and get in some cardio before the chaos of the day begins, or go for a brisk walk on your lunch break. Park at the end of the parking lot when you do your shopping so you’ll have to walk a bit further. Buy a reusable water bottle and keep it filled all day so you can see how much you’re drinking. Many of us don’t drink enough water, so that’s an important one. The more you do these things, the more you’ll start to think of them as second nature.
When it comes to developing a healthy eating plan, you might need to seek help if you’re unsure of where or how to start. Fortunately, there are many online resources that can help you figure out ways to shop healthfully on a budget and develop a healthy meal plan everyone will enjoy. Even if you exercise and eat healthy meals regularly, your body may still be missing nutrients it needs. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a daily multivitamin. Not only will a multivitamin provide extra nutrients, but it can also improve your mood and energy levels.
Cut Those Bad Habits
Cutting bad habits from your daily life can be extremely difficult, but if you’re serious about getting healthier, you may be thinking about how to go about it. Caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol are the most common substances we abuse that can have negative effects on our health, and they can be very hard to kick if you go cold turkey. Look into some options; for instance, if you’re a longtime smoker, talk to your doctor about a nicotine patch that can help ease you into quitting.
And if you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to cut back on the amount of sugar you eat on a daily basis. An abundance of sugar can cause the numbers on your scale to head in the wrong direction, and it can also lead to oral health issues that could result in a number of problems, physical and mental. For example, depression has been linked to dental hygiene, as those with depression often neglect to properly care for themselves, which can make their symptoms worse.
Try New Things
Working out every day can get boring and repetitive if you do the same routine, so change things up a bit and try something new. Yoga, Pilates, stability balls, and dance are all great ways to get in shape that can offer you some variety, as well as a chance to build up balance and strength.
Getting in shape doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you start to get the hang of incorporating these activities into your daily life, everything will become much easier. Just remember to stay hydrated, eat a well-balanced diet, and garner some support from friends and family.
Author: Sheila Olson of fitsheila.com