12 Things Anybody Can Do For Improved Health And Happiness

Who doesn’t want to be the happiest, healthiest version of themselves? We all want to live long, happy lives, but many people don’t get take action and get into good habits to make it happen. Improved health and happiness doesn’t have to mean being perfect 100% of the time, eating salads or going on 10 mile runs every day.

Please note: this is a contributed post.

There are little things you can blend into your lifestyle that will make a huge difference if you’re consistent – and consistency doesn’t mean every single day. Doing something a few times a week can be enough to perk you up, whether we’re talking meditation, exercise, or spending time with somebody you love.

 

Below, we have 12 things anybody can do for improved health and happiness. Take a look and see what you can incorporate into your routine:

 

1. Consistent Meditation

Meditation is something that many people find hard at first. We feel addicted to our thoughts and thinking, and switching them off can feel impossible. However, using an app like Calm or Headspace can really help, and there are even YouTube videos that can help you. Even if you sit and attempt it for 2 minutes and do this as often as you can through the week, you should find that it becomes easier for you and you begin developing a habit.

 

Meditation can offer clearer focus, a happier outlook, better sleep, and so much more. If we all meditated, the world would be a much happier, healthier place.

2. Focus On Eating Nutrient Dense Foods

You don’t have to eat ‘clean’ all of the time, or make ‘perfect’ choices when it comes to your diet. By simply focusing on eating nutrient dense foods say, 80% of the time, having some chocolate or another ‘treat’ won’t do you any harm. Eat fruit and vegetables, but enjoy a slab of cake when the feeling takes you, too. Life should be about balance!

 

3. Find A Type Of Exercise That You Really Enjoy

Studies have shown that just 7 minutes can be enough to perk you up, so find a type of exercise you enjoy and aim to do it a few times a week to begin with. You could go on a super quick run around the block, or even do some yoga stretches and poses before you start the day. You’d be surprised at how doing something like this can give you a happier outlook for the day and enable you to make smarter choices.

 

4. Make Self Care Compulsory

Self-care should be compulsory, but people treat it like it isn’t important. What does self-care mean to you? It might mean reading a chapter of a book you’ve been meaning to pick up, taking a hot bath, or spending some time alone to recuperate after a long day. Whatever makes you feel good and rejuvenated, aim to do it every day even if only for a short time.

 

5. Take Time Each Day To Do Something You Enjoy

Think of something you really enjoy that you haven’t been doing very often. Maybe it’s drawing, making things, DIY – whatever it is, take a little time each day to do it. It might mean switching off your electronic devices in the evening so you can focus on it, or it might mean getting up 20 minutes earlier each morning so you have the time. You’ll feel so much better for it.

6. Get Plenty Of Sleep Each Night

When we get enough sleep, we’re far less sensitive to negative emotions. Not only that, we can be happier, more creative, and have a more stable appetite – all things that can make us have better days more often. Aim to go to bed at the same time each night, and get up at the same time each morning even on weekends. It’ll make a huge difference to the way you feel and your overall outlook.

 

7. Stay Up To Date With Health Checks

Make sure you stay up to date with health checks, and don’t put something off if you’ve noticed a change. For example, a comprehensive eye exam is important if you haven’t been for a while. Your prescription may have changed, or you may catch something that needs to be treated early on. Make sure you book your dental exams, hearing tests, and other check ups, too.

 

8. Get Outside

Making time to go outside on a nice day can have a huge advantage; one study found that spending 20 minutes outside in good weather not only boosted positive mood, but broadened thinking and improved working memory.

9. Wear Things That make You Happy

The things we wear can have a big impact on our mood, too. If you’re wearing dull colors that make you feel boring, you’re going to feel that all through the day. Don’t ‘save’ outfits for a special occasion. If you like something, wear it and own it! Buy things you can style differently, so you can dress up or down depending on your mood. Whatever you do, don’t buy clothes that make you feel anything less than happy.

 

10. Use Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can have a big impact on your mood, whether you’re looking to wind down better in the evening or perk yourself up in the morning. You can use things like diffusers, body oils, bath oils, and even aromatherapy jewelry to enjoy the effects!

 

11. Be Careful About What You Consume

This doesn’t mean food – magazines, social media, and other platforms can be very dangerous if you tend to compare yourself to photoshopped images. Certain messages out there can be very negative, so it’s crucial to become aware of these. If something makes you feel bad about yourself, stop consuming it, period. Unfollow people, stop buying certain publications, and spend less time on social media.

 

12. Spend Plenty Of Time With The People You Love

Don’t neglect the people you love. Spend time with them, talk through your problems, and make sure you enjoy yourself. This can be fun and therapeutic! Spending time with others can often put us on a bit of a high for a while, too.

 

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