Healthy and happy people don’t simply wake up that way. They have a small bag of tricks—habits they implement every day—that helps them encourage positive responses from the body. Anyone can employ these simple healthy habits in their daily lives. Here are a few that I follow myself and encourage my patients to do also.
1.Eat Fat!
It’s shocking but true. A high-fat diet that is low in carbs can contribute to ketosis which is a natural metabolic state that allows the body to burn unwanted fat. It does this by forcing it to rely on fat for energy instead of carbs. It’s important that they’re healthy fats, though. Some good sources are grass fed meats, wild caught fish, full-fat dairy, seeds, and nuts.
2. Drink plenty of water, daily!
Water is crucial to many types of bodily functions, particularly in energizing muscles. When muscles are energized through water intake, there is an increase in overall well being resulting in hydrated cells, great skin, and proper brain function. Sufficient water intake is also important for healthy digestion and elimination and can prevent constipation. Shoot for 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce per pound of bodyweight.
3. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine!
Fresh outdoor air and the sunshine are undeniable mood lifters, and our skin soaks in vitamin D from the sun’s rays. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that boosts immune function. Enjoy a hike outdoors or a long walk near greenery. This will elevate your mood and allow your body to soak in some much-needed antioxidants.
4. Move!
This doesn’t have to be in the form of traditional exercise and can be included in your fresh air and sunshine routine. It’s important for your mental and physical health that your muscles get some attention and your blood gets circulating. Walking your dog, a bike ride, yoga, dance, swimming, hiking, and walking on the beach are just a few examples of activities that can get your body moving. This also prevents joint stiffness and improves flexibility and mobility.
5. Think positively!
Many of us fight through the work week, often dealing with a lot of stress and fatigue. We don’t realize that our thoughts affect our behavior. In the process, we sometimes allow our negative thoughts to get the best of us. We must remember to see things for what they are. Understand that when you talk to yourself or others in a negative way, this creates a field of bad energy all around. Practice gratitude and speak to yourself the way you would speak to someone you love. You will see that this will change the way you feel for the better and things will not seem as bad as you previously thought.
6. Get quality sleep!
Lack of sleep can cause fogginess, food cravings, cognitive issues, immune dysfunction, weight gain, and mood swings. Without proper sleep, you put your health at serious risk. One of the best ways to regulate stress, weight, and reduce your risk of illness is to get quality sleep. Turn off your television, phone, computer and anything that emits blue light, about two hours before bed and snuggle in at a cool temperature for 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Your body will thank you for it!
