10 Great Things You Can Do To Improve Your Health Right Now

This past week I experienced some hardcore burnout and laziness from my usual exercise routine, which caused me to feel guilty all week. Since I wasn’t as active as usual, I made a point to try and improve my health in other ways.

Here are 10 simple things I can do at any time that always make me feel better (even if I’ve skipped a workout).

1. Drink more water!

I am a huge believer in the benefits of water. Ever since I got into running, I have made a point of carrying water with me wherever I go. My fiancé will sometimes be home at the end of the day and tell me he hasn’t had any water in the past 24 hours, which blows my mind! Adding water to your day helps curb hunger and boosts energy. It doesn’t need to be anything crazy to notice a difference either – add an extra 8 ounces (one glass) to your day and your body will thank you.

2. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier.

Easier said than done! 7-8 hours of sleep is ideal for most people, but everyone is different. While ending your day 15 minutes earlier may seem impossible, it is worth it. That extra sleep will help you feel better mentally in the morning, and help relieve some of that extra stress for the day. Sleep is one of the most important tools we have for improving our health.

3. Take the stairs.

I always make a point to take the stairs whenever possible! Even just one flight of stairs a day will make a difference. It’s a great way to get the blood flowing and help boost your energy while not changing any part of your daily schedule.

4. Meditate for 5 minutes.

I was so skeptical of the meditation “fad” until I finally made myself try it after reading about it in a book. Anyone can carve out five minutes for themselves in a day, and if you can’t, you may need to rethink your priorities. These five minutes always help me get rid of tension and clear my mind of worries. I’ve noticed that it really helps me feel refreshed and makes me feel more prepared to tackle any tasks. When my mind is fresh, my physical health usually follows suit.

5. Eat protein for breakfast.

This has helped me immensely! I’ve noticed that whenever I start my day with protein I feel less cranky in the morning and less hungry all day. Even just 1/2 a cup of cottage cheese or yogurt really helps me out! Changing little bits at a time may not seem like a lot, but have a huge effect on your overall health.

6. Stretch!

I feel like a hypocrite on this one because stretching is so hard for me to make myself do. I’ve started to bring back stretching to my daily routine after a workout, and whenever I do my muscles feel fresher and springier for the rest of the day.

7. Put down the snacks an hour before bed.

I’ve heard that it’s ideal to not eat anything two hours before heading to bed, but I’ve found this really hard to do most days! I give myself a little leeway and always make sure I am done with dessert at least an hour before I head to bed. This helps me feel fully ready to climb into bed and makes me really excited to eat breakfast!

8. Drink tea.

Tea has really helped my body, this past year especially. I started drinking it more often as I began getting colds more regularly, and it always helps me relax and feel more grounded. Who knows if it’s the placebo effect or actually happening, but it also seems to help clear away congestion and headaches. Tea has played a consistent role in nursing me back to health this past year.

9. Eat dinner at the table.

We have gotten into some bad habits over here. As we get busier, we become lazier and find ourselves eating in front of the television more often than not. Whenever we make a point of eating at the table I feel less anxious and more connected. This time away from screens really helps me connect with my fiance and feel less anxious.

10. Get moving for 15 minutes.

I saved the best for last. Whether it’s a planned workout or just a walk around the block, 15 minutes during the day can make a huge difference in our health. Moving helps me to relax and feel less anxious, guilty or stir crazy, especially on those rest days.

Try some out and let me know what you think! There are tons of ways to help your body out each day, but these are my favorites so far.

I sure hope your week is off to a great start! Have a great Tuesday!