The new year is just around the corner, so better prepare for an onslaught of resolutions to fill up your social media newsfeed. Resolutions to be better, eat healthier, live better. If you think about it, what does it truly take to live a healthier and happier life?
Exercise and proper nutrition, for instance, help a person become healthier. Regular doctor and dentist check-ups are also a must. You don’t even need to schedule an appointment weeks in advance to see a GP. There are centers where you can book a same-day GP appointment in Birmingham or Sutton Coldfield. You can probably give them a try, especially if you don t have much time to spare.
Regardless of your definition of health and happiness, a healthier and happier life is within reach if you’re willing to make some adjustments in your mindset and build better habits.
Upgrade Yourself with These Habits
1. Smile more.
Smiling releases dopamine into our system, which makes us feel happier even when we’re far from it. It makes you feel better and makes others feel better, too.
2. Exercise regularly.
Taking good care of your body is a great way of improving your health and boosting your confidence. It reduces the level of anxiety and stress and makes you feel good about yourself.
Unless it makes you feel happy, you don’t need to go all out in the gym and go beast mode with training. Simple exercises like walking around the block after dinner or a few minutes of stretching every day will help improve your health and self-esteem.
3. Eat well.
We all know a healthy and well-balanced diet leads to good nutrition for our bodies. Be mindful of what you eat, though. Start making healthier food choices. Gradually take out unhealthy food from your typical menu and gradually replace them with healthier alternatives, one food item a day.
4. Get enough rest.
In today’s fast-paced world, it seems like there’s never enough time to rest and get a complete night’s sleep. No matter how much society brings us in that direction, we all know that our bodies need enough sleep and rest to fully function.
Try to get at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep daily. If you have sleeping problems, you can always talk to a GP or a specialist.
5. Have a thankful heart.
Gratefulness changes one’s attitude. It helps you become more content with the things you have in life and makes you appreciate them more.
6. Keep a journal.
Journaling is a good avenue to release whatever thoughts and anxieties you cannot verbalize. You don’t even have to be articulate to do this. Simply write your thoughts and feelings down to help you process and deal with them. This is especially helpful to those who are not good at communicating verbally. This practice helps one release stress and deal with emotions.
7. Unplug.
Get rid of your mobile devices and gadgets and disconnect from the virtual world. Set a schedule within the day when you can turn off your smartphone and just enjoy the sights and sounds of the world around you. You’ll be surprised at how therapeutic and refreshing unplugging can be.
8. Read and reflect.
While keeping the body physically healthy is vital, taking care of your brain and mind is equally important. Take the time to sit down and read a book that will help enlighten and nourish your spirit and soul. Reflect on what you just read and see how you can affect a more positive change in your life.
9. Forgive more.
This is a bit tricky and is usually easier said than done. Learning to forgive and let go of grudges, as cliché as it may sound, is for your benefit and not for those who have offended you. Evaluate your relationships and see if you have any resentment towards people.
Reach out to them and bury the hatchet. If it’s not possible to reach out and talk to someone, you can just put it in writing to let it out. You don’t even have to send it. Simply the process of letting it out and releasing forgiveness does wonders for your wellness.
It’s never too late to turn things around for yourself and make it better. Replacing bad habits with good ones can dramatically improve your overall health and well-being. Here’s to a better you!
