Savvy Library

Savvy Ways To Get Healthy And Happier

It can be difficult to know just where or how to start if you are looking to get happier and healthier, in particular, if you feel that you already follow a healthy diet and eat well. However, external factors such as your commute to work, family commitments and even indulging in a weekend take out could all be having an impact on more than your mood; they could also be affecting your stress and mental health or blood sugar levels, not to mention causing you to gain weight. So, if you are looking to get happier and healthier, and make sure that you have more energy to face the day, then try using these savvy suggestions to help you make lasting changes.

Before you begin embarking on a new and improved health and wellness routine, it is crucial that you book in for an appointment to see your local nurse or doctor. During a check-up, you will have your weight and height checked, and the doctor may suggest if you need to lose weight. You can also have your cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked, ideal if you are feeling stressed or that you have been suffering from additional aches and pains. As soon as you have completed your checkup, you may be expected to take additional pills or supplements to help get your fitness and mood back on track. Consider visiting for a comprehensive list of medications. Make sure that you do not overlook this step and be sure to visit your local health center like the csu health center in Colorado, even if you feel that you are already in pretty good shape.

Exercise


If you are looking to get happier and healthier, then you will want to try upping your exercise and the number of times that you get up and moving. Even if you work long hours stuck at your office desk, be sure that you take regular breaks so that you can stretch out your spine and legs. If you struggle to visit the gym after work, then why not try booking in for a class during your lunchtime and go and try out a new workout with your colleagues. You may also want to try taking a jog or a lunchtime stroll if you do not enjoy visiting the gym so that you can enjoy some fresh air and get your step count up. Exercise is ideal for creating endorphins, or happy hormones, that will ensure all of your body’s vital systems are supplied with a new blood and oxygen flow, as you get moving and active. So if you want to feel happier and healthier, and are also keen to boost your mood and even tone up or reduce your waistline over time also, then be sure to get up and active.

If you have small children or work from home, then there are other ways that you can get active, even if you struggle to leave the house for long periods of time. Try using an app to help you get active, and you can even make the most of objects that you have on hand at home so that you can tone and challenge your body. If you have workout videos at home, then invite your friends over and be sure to get together to work up a sweat. After a few weeks of incorporating more exercise into your daily routine, you will feel ready to take on whatever comes your way.

Rest up


If you often start the week feeling tired and grumpy, then you may not be getting enough hours of precious shuteye. Sleep is vital for your entire body, as it provides your various bodily systems with the time that they require to reset and prepare to take on each day. So if you are keen to have a marked impact on your overall health, then be sure to have enough hours of sleep. If you find it hard to slow down before bed, then make sure that you get rid of any electronic devices or tech from your bedroom. You could make yourself a soothing tea or warm drink before bed so that you raise your body temperature. Finally, try going to bed at the same time every night even if you do not feel tired. This will enable you to sleep better and get into a bedtime routine. It will be tricky at first, but after a few weeks, you will notice that you begin to feel ready for bed at the same time every day.

Little changes


If you are looking to feel happier and healthier without making it feel like a chore, then you will need to start small so that you barely notice the changes that you are making. From taking the stairs instead of using the elevator, swapping your morning donut for a piece of fruit and even stopping drinking sodas and diet drinks, you can remain realistic and start small so that you can improve your overall health. The same rule applies to your meal times and meal planning also. Be sure to check that your portion sizes are not too large, and rethink how much you are eating and what you are eating during each meal time. Be sure to have a healthy and filling breakfast and choose oatmeal or homemade pancakes to help you feel full and satisfied. Try snacking on fruit or hummus or even corn cakes and nut butter, if you are looking to enjoy a healthy snack in between meals. Finally, remember that if you want to make a lasting difference to your diet, then moderation is key. It is ok to enjoy a sweet treat once in a while and do not deny giving your body the foods that it craves. Just be sure that you rethink your eating habits and get back on track if you have an off day. By using a few hacks, you will gradually be able to improve your health and fitness levels.

Take time to relax


Believe it or not, it is vital that you check in with your mental health on a regular basis, in particular, if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed and find it hard to cope. If you do not recognize that you are stressed, then you could soon find yourself suffering from complaints such as depression or even other mental illnesses that are more difficult to treat. It is up to you as to how you decide to relax and disconnect. For some individuals, classes such as Yoga and Pilates are ideal as they stretch out your entire body and enable you to switch off for an hour, whereas, meditation is ideal if you are looking to rid your mind of negative thoughts and improve your overall mental health and feeling of well-being over time. If you struggle to take time to relax, then you could even consider using apps to ensure that you relax while on the go. Finally, if you do not feel that you are a yogi, then it could be as simple as taking a walk in the park, enjoying a night with your family and friends or even enjoying a morning of arts and crafts to help you to relax – take time to explore and find out which option works best for you.

If you are looking to get happier and feel healthier, then luckily you can make a few changes to your diet and lifestyle that will enable you to feel full of new energy and face the day in a better mood. Be sure to visit your doctor or local health professional to give your health a checkup. Your doctor will also let you know if you should be taking any medication or supplements to help improve your health and wellness levels also. Next, try making a few small changes so that you get up and active, without making it a huge effort. From taking a walk every few hours to getting active in your lunch hour, explore what works for you. While if you work from home, then try using an exercise video to help you boost your mood and increase your happy hormones. It is also vital that you take time to rest up and get enough sleep. Try having a hot drink before bed and be sure to remove any tech from your bedroom so that you can switch off and slow down. Begin by making small changes to your routine so that you do not feel overwhelmed and are able to make real improvements to your current lifestyle. Be sure to take time to relax and slow down, in particular, if you are feeling stressed and upset. Remember that improving your health and happiness does not need to cost a fortune. By making a few improvements, then you can expect to notice a huge improvement in your skin, overall mood, and even your waistline measurements. It is simple to get up and active!

4 Comments

  • Ashley Chassereau Parks

    These are great tips for being happy and healthy! I definitely need to get in the habit of all of these again. I have a newborn, so getting my exercise and rest is not easy right now. I can’t wait to get into a better routine again so I can start feeling like less of a zombie. I think baby will like to go for walks too!

  • Christina Gould

    This is all great advice, and I keep putting these things off. Thanks for the reminder!

  • June S.

    (Savvy Ways To Get Healthy And Happier) Very interesting to read about. After I am done being sick I am going to take this advice.

  • Lauryn R

    These are great tips, thank you so much for sharing! I have recently changed my diet and it has really helped with my overall mood and I feel great! Exercise (or staying active at least) has always been something that I have had to do, since I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I refuse to take medications for it, so exercise and diet are the main things that keep me feeling good. 🙂