If you've been thinking about ways to improve your lifestyle, there's no time like the present to get started. If you're starting from scratch, there's a good chance you might feel overwhelmed with where to begin and also inundated with the do's and don'ts that come along with it.
Fortunately, a healthier lifestyle isn't too far out of reach — especially when you approach it from a perspective of simplicity. Here are four uncomplicated ways to start living a healthier life.
1. Swap Out Your Products
No matter what part of your routine you're in, chances are you're using a product of some kind. Personal care items, things that you use to clean and maintain your home, and what you eat and drink all have a major impact on your health and wellness.
Take inventory of what you use, read labels closely, and research products thoroughly. There is a wealth of information available online, which will be a valuable resource here. Once you learn more about what you're using, you might decide to swap for cleaner versions. This is also a good time to reduce the number of products you're using, for simplicity's sake.
For instance, stocking your bathroom cabinet with Young Living Essential Oils could be a great first step. Consider learning how to incorporate oils into your self-care routine or how to make your own cleaning solutions. This might also help you to simplify your routines while improving the quality of the products you're using.
2. Move Intentionally Each Day
When your goal is to improve your lifestyle, movement and exercise should be a top priority. Keep in mind that you don't need to spend hours at the gym, sign up for expensive boutique workout classes, or have the best of the best workout equipment and a home gym to see results. All you need is a goal of at least 15 minutes each day.
What could you do in 15 minutes? Go for a walk. Stream a weight-lifting circuit or build your own routine. Go for a bike ride with your kids. Just move. Make it non-negotiable. If you're currently not getting this movement, you're going to be amazed at how much better you feel once you start.
The best part about starting at just 15 minutes is that it's a realistic goal. Before you know it, you'll be adding on time and finding new ways to move throughout the day in addition to that intentional time. Think taking the stairs, choosing a far-away spot in the parking lot (as long as it's safe), or opting for a quick walk on your lunch break instead of ordering take-out.
3. Get Good Sleep
Sleep is an incredible thing. It's healing and nourishing and a good, healthy life depends on it — but it needs to be quality sleep. Are you getting it? If not, time to make some changes.
Chances are you're probably familiar with the typical rules for good sleep, such as limiting your blue light exposure within a few hours of bedtime and avoiding caffeine in the afternoon. However, there are some others that you might not be so aware of, such as the importance of early morning sun exposure to regulate and establish a healthy circadian rhythm.
Making adjustments to your current sleep routine shouldn't be difficult, but don't try to make too many changes all at once. Work gradually and see which tips help you the most, and go from there.
4. Shift Your Focus
Do you ever feel like you might not be dividing your attention as best as you can? While this is common, it can also be very detrimental to your lifestyle. Pausing to evaluate your priorities and areas of your life that might be suffering will be helpful here.
If you're not sure, try setting aside some time to write at the end of your day. It doesn't have to be a lot, but sitting down and giving your attention to how you're doing overall will be time well spent. Perhaps you'll find patterns that show a strong lean towards work, but you can't remember the last time you spent quality time with your family, called your mother, or met your best friend for a coffee.
Making positive changes to your lifestyle is an exciting thing, even though it might seem a bit daunting at first. Take it slow, keep it simple, and enjoy the benefits of the changes you make.
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