Sometimes we have a health scare, or a loved one gets a diagnosis that makes us put our own lifestyle into a sharper perspective. While that’s not always the motivation for everyone, it can be a serious wake-up call for others. In the same way, we want our children, friends, and family to take better care of themselves, and we should apply the same attitude towards ourselves. That’s why it’s never the “wrong” time to start reinvesting in your health. Let’s take a look at some ways that are proven to work and are easy to get started.
Refrain From Addictive Substances
These days, a lot more people are choosing to go substance-free. And, with good reason. There are tons of benefits of being alcohol-free, but it’s not just alcohol that could be holding your health back. We all know of the risks of cigarette smoking, the harm that most drugs do, but it goes even deeper! Did you know that some of the food in your pantry is addictive? Sugar, for example, has been proven to be a highly addictive substance. Unfortunately, when we’re worn out and have a list of things to do a mile long, most of us grab quick, convenient snacks that are loaded with sugar. And, sugar is a great immune suppressor, so it affects not only your waistline but your immune system as well. Try looking at areas of your life where you may be a little too dependent on a substance and either wean yourself or quit cold turkey. If you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s important to get professional treatment. Specialists can help you overcome your dependency with NAD therapy and other techniques so you can live your best life.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Not only will you wake up looking healthier and feeling more refreshed, but it’s a scientific fact that not getting enough sleep is seriously detrimental to our health. The added bonus? Yes, it is called beauty rest for a reason. Sometimes, there’s not enough under-eye concealer in the world to turn around a night of not enough or poor sleep. You want to aim for a minimum of eight hours a night. If you’re the type of person that has trouble falling asleep, make sure you’re avoiding screens for at least one hour before turning in for the night. You can also incorporate calming activities before bedtime like drinking chamomile tea, utilizing relaxing aromatherapy, meditation, and breathwork. Just make sure you’re prioritizing your sacred sleep!
Consider A Detox
Sometimes when we have let things in our health get really out of hand, it’s best to admit that we need some serious personal intervention. One way to jumpstart your way to reinvest in your health is with a 7 day detox. These types of programs are designed to help your body facilitate a deep cleanse and detox and set you up for success. If you’re going with a detox plan, you have to make sure you’re committed to maintaining a healthy diet afterward.
You Are What You Eat
The thing about old adages – there is a lot of truth in them. At the end of the day, we’re all adults here, and we know that what we consume directly impacts how we look and feel. That’s why choosing to eat whole foods is the best decision you can make for yourself. While not everyone needs to adopt a plant-based diet (though the benefits are enormous and well studied), you want to make a conscious effort to consume foods in their purest form. This means packaged foods that are free from over-processed ingredients – you want to be able to pronounce every ingredient on the back of the packaging.
If this seems impossible to you because you know the realities of your life and time constraints between work and private life, meal prepping may be your solution. While it does take many hours, it’s out of one day of the week. Then, you’re stocked with fresh and healthy snacks and meals for the entire week. You can count on being mindful and healthy with every bite you take.
This list is short, but that’s the beauty of it! It’s not a laundry list of tons of modifications you need to try and make, which is what makes it attainable and something you can stick with. So, start reinvesting in yourself today. Here’s to your health!
