5 Ways to Feel Happier and Healthier Today

10:30 AM

original photo: unsplash

One of my goals for the new year was to be both healthier and happier. So far, I think I’ve been doing a pretty good job. Not perfect, but hey! Baby steps! Here are a few of the things I’ve been trying on my journey that I’ve found make me feel great. I’m not saying that these things will absolutely make you healthier— though some of them certainly can’t hurt!— but they are things that I find help me feel better on a daily basis.

1. Drink Water. It’s so simple, but something many of us find hard to do adequately. Depending on your weight, you need to drink about 64-100 ounces of water a day. And the benefits are endless. Water will help you feel more energized, keep your skin looking perky and hydrated, and help you lose or maintain your weight.

2. Meditate. This is something I really enjoy doing. I take a few minutes out of my day to just unwind; no television, no phone, no music. Just me, relaxing my mind and letting the stress leave my body. Once technique I love: sit with you legs crossed and your palms up. When you breath in, imagine you are inhaling a bright, pure white light of positivity. When you breath out, imagine exhaling all of the dark negativity in your life. You can do this for however long you want!

3. Take Vitamins. Of course, this isn’t necessary for everyone and you need to talk to your physician to see if and which vitamins are right for you. But I am usually quite deficient in both vitamin D and iron, so I make sure to take a multivitamin with extra iron and 2,000 units of vitamin D daily. I also take vitamin C regularly to ward off illness.

4. Stretch. Really this should be first as I find you should do it right after you wake up— and again at lunch and in the evening. This is especially important if you have a job that leaves you sitting for most of the day. Studies have shown that just a few minutes of stretching throughout the day can lower the risk of heart problems in those with office or desk jobs. You should do this every day, whether you plan on having a workout or not.

5. Eat Naturally. You don’t have to stick to this one 100%— even adding a few more natural goodies to your diet will do you and your body good. Eat some more fruits or veggies, switch out one product for an organic alternative, or have an all-natural smoothie for breakfast. Your body— and, often, the environment— will thank you for it.

What steps do you take to be a little happier or healthier?