Your health is important to me

Your health is important!  It affects  relationships, our mental and physical health and can impact our financial stability.  We are all busy trying to balance work, family and other responsibilities. As a result, we often put our health goals on hold.  But being healthy is NOT DIFFICULT! 

Here are some simple (and memorable) ways to get healthier with minimal effort.

  1.  Drink more water!  Water helps maximize physical performance, it affects your energy levels, brain function, it helps to prevent headaches, hangovers, can aid in weight loss and helps your body to flush out toxins. 
  2. Eat from a smaller plate and bowl.  Believe it or not, the size of your plate can affect how much you eat! Eating from a smaller plate is a simple way to trick your brain into eating less. This can be useful if you feel the portions, you eat are too big.
  3. Make a grocery list before you shop and never shop on an empty stomach.  A grocery list is a powerful tool that can help you eat healthier.  It helps you remember what you have at home, plan for healthier food in advance and avoid impulse buys.  What’s more, studies have shown that people who use grocery lists are more likely to eat healthier.  Its also a GREAT way to shop on a budget, to not overbuy.  Making a list helps you to make healthier decisions too.
  4. Move!  Get those extra steps in by parking further away from the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a walk when you need a break.  When your heart rate is elevated, your body releases endorphins.  Endorphins directly affect your mood, and studies show that people who exercise regularly benefit with a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression.
  5. Unplug from technology an hour before bed.  Nowadays, technology is everywhere we go and it can be a challenge to unplug, but it will do your body good!  Roughly 50-70 MILLION Americans suffer from poor sleep and it seems that technology and other sources of artificial light are the reason.  Devices like your phone and computer emit blue light, which can keep you up for longer.  Getting a good night sleep definitely affects your health! It can leave you exhausted, feeling sluggish and even increase your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type two diabetes. 

Being healthy is easy.  Its not necessarily about weight loss.  It’s about a healthy lifestyle; a balanced diet, being mindful of your mental and physical activity.  Making small changes to the way you treat yourself will help you to implement, and keep up good habits.  These simple strategies can lead to a healthier and happier you.  I know you can do it! 

For more tips and hints, visit www.healthline.com