2017-10-05

The title sounds slightly intimidating, and so does the thought of getting healthy. This doesn’t need to be a huge overhaul of 40 pointers of preaching to you on what not to do.

You already know what you shouldn’t be doing. However, let this be a reminder that you can make small changes that will have a lasting impact. Learning to stretch cut back sugar, move the body, power down electronics, and take time to meditate can all help in making significant changes. WebMD also shared it is an unhealthy lifestyle.

“It's a common contributor of our biggest health problems: stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cancer."

 We all need motivation to keep moving forward no matter what we desire to change. Take one small step at a time and adopt these five tips that anyone can implement. 

1. Women’s Health

reminds us to stock up on good food to fight stress daily. Foods that will combat the stress the body goes through daily. Antioxidants will help the immune system like almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. These are loaded in B vitamins. They recommend “a quarter cup every day is all you need. Another easy way to get a fix is to switch from traditional PB to almond butter on high-tension days.”

Also try pistachios, oatmeal and avocados they can cut down blood pressure, so next time you’re faced with a stressful situation grab some pistachios.

2. Eat more natural. Experts shared that it’s how you prepare the food like opting for whole grains. “If you want to really put it on a bun, put it on a whole-grain bun that’s a little bit lighter in calories. Instead of mayonnaise, use avocado. Use things that are adding health to whatever you’re eating, rather than taking away from it,” Dr. Travis Stork said. Instead of butter add olive oil to a meal, or drizzle it on a piece of healthy bread.

3. Get moving. Make a conscious decision to do activity to get the muscles and heart going. Stretch in the morning and before bed. Proper circulation is important and is need for the joints to remain strong. It helps the bones and lowers blood pressure. Go for a walk, do a sport, and live longer.

“Studies show that even 10 minutes of exercise makes a difference — so do something! Crank the stereo and dance in your living room. Sign up for swing dancing or ballroom-dancing lessons. Walk to the park with your kids or a neighbor you’d like to catch up with. Jump rope or play hopscotch. Spin a hula hoop. Play water volleyball. Bike to work,” Naturopathic physician James Rouse wrote.

4. Laughter is truly medicine. Take a break from life and being serious, it is totally alright and healthy for you. Guess what this simple act can do for you. It lowers blood pressure, stress hormones, boosts the immune system, and helps mental health. The Mayo Clinic backs this up. "Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.”

5. Organizing your life and cutting back the clutter is not only a physical thing, it is more than that. It can help you with stress. Clutter just enables feelings of feeling overwhelmed. Start getting rid of things. It can help with depression, anxiety, and can improve relationships.

See what works for you. One step at a time is all it takes to make lasting change in your health, and it is worth it.

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