Living a healthier life is important, and so is a happy life. Finding the right balance between the two can be tricky. In this guide, I’ll share with you my top 28 actionable tips on living a healthy AND happy life. You’ll be able to take action straight away and notice a change in your overall health and mindset.
1. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning
Coffee’s great too, but it’s best to start your day by re-hydrating with a full glass of water. Hydrating first thing in the morning helps to aid digestion, enhance skin health and boost energy. I start every day with a glass of warm water and a fat lemon slice in it
2. Take the stairs
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a simple way to get a little more physical activity in your daily life. It also strengthens and tones your legs and core while you’re at it!
3. Make half your plate healthier veggies
A simple hack for healthier eating (and portion control) is to make half your plate veggies at each meal. Actually, you should be having 4-6 fist-sized portions of veggies every day. To get a more personalized nutrition plan, get in contact with me and we can discuss the best plan for you.
4. Switch to nontoxic household cleaning products
Conventional household cleaning products are full of harmful chemical ingredients that are not good for our health. Switching to healthier alternatives is a simple way to reduce your exposure to environmental toxins in your home.
5. Use nontoxic skincare & personal care products
Similar to cleaning products, conventional skincare and personal care products are formulated with toxic ingredients we should not regularly let absorb into our body’s largest organ. Reduce the toxic burden on your body by switching to nontoxic personal care and beauty products.
6. Take a probiotic daily
A daily probiotic can help with digestion, healthier skin, immunity, mental health and more.
7. Eat real and healthier food
Aim to only eat real food that’s made of whole food ingredients you would have in your own kitchen pantry, or that your grandmother would recognize. (Yup, this rules out most packaged food, sorry!)
8. Stand up every 30 minutes while working
Reduce the harmful effects of sitting (like at your desk job) by standing up and moving around a bit every half hour. My clients will tell you they hear my voice in their ear ALL DAY LONG on this one.
9. Get sunlight every day
Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for overall health and sunlight is a great source of it. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of sunlight each day—preferably in the afternoon, and without sunscreen.
10. Get a houseplants
Houseplants help to cleanse your indoor air AND they’re pretty, and research even shows they improve mood, creativity and problem solving! If you have pets do the research and make sure whatever you pick is non toxic.
11. Sweat every day
Aim to sweat in some way each day—whether that’s via running, biking, dancing, hot yoga, or any other physical activity you enjoy. (Or clean the apartment and work up a sweat with the vacume – not much fun here but necessary).
12. Have a daily Green smoothie
Green smoothies as a snack or simple, on-the-go breakfast are an easy way to get your greens in each day.
13. Cultivate a positive and healthier mindset
“The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.” It’s true—mindset is everything! Cultivate a positive mindset by recognizing negative thought patterns and countering them with positive thoughts or affirmations.
14. Get enough sleep
Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Some tips are: keep your bedroom cool at night; avoid blue light after dark; establish a wind-down routine that helps you get those Zzzss.
15. Start your day with a healthy morning routine
Start each day with fulfilling activities that set the tone for how you want to feel—whether that’s inspired, relaxed, productive, or something else.
16. Eat the rainbow
Aim to eat all the colors of the rainbow each day. The more colors on your plate, the more healtheir you’ll be making your diet (Natural colors only, no Skittles!)
17. Floss your teeth
Floss your teeth daily for good dental health and overall health. Not only does flossing daily protect your teeth and gums, but good dental health is also important for immunity and a healthier heart. My dentist will tell you – health happens in the mouth.. from what you eat to taking care of your teeth.
19. Spend time alone
Spending regular time alone helps to get to know yourself and check-in with how you’re doing and what you want, so you can live your most intentional life. Some people enjoying hiking, going for a walk or run or meditating. There are some great apps to help learn how to meditate.
20. Do things you enjoy
This often gets overlooked as an essential element of healthier living—doing things each day that you enjoy! Whether that’s exercise, baking, crafting, reading a book or watching TV, reserve time each day to spend doing activities you personally enjoy.
21. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar keeps the doctor away
Apple cider vinegar cures everything (well… almost everything!). A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water helps aid digestion, relieve bloat, boost immunity, regulate blood sugar levels and more. Try it!
22. Smile often
Smiling as often as you can throughout the day will actually boost health and your immune system.
23. Use a physio ball as a desk chair
Save your back/shoulders/neck and strengthen your core by using a physio ball a desk chair.
24. Manage stress with self-care activities
Chronic stress is detrimental to both your physical and mental health. Get to know your stress triggers and releases (the things that can help calm you when you’re stressed) so you can proactively cope with stress and maintain healthy levels.
25. Intermittent fasting can promote weight loss
We’re not really into dieting (restrictions are no fun!), but IF is more of an eating pattern than a diet. It has several notable health benefits and can help speed metabolism to promote weight loss.
26. Drink a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage
A glass of water after every alcoholic beverage helps to detoxify the alcohol from your body, as well as slow your alcohol consumption and keep you hydrated (a key factor in hangover prevention!).
27. Practice gratitude
Practice gratitude each day—this could be when you wake up, before bed, or during your lunch break at work.
28. A walk around the block is better than no walk at all
When it comes to a healthier lifestyle, doing just a little bit is better than doing nothing at all. If you want to go on a walk but don’t have time for your usual hour-long walk, take a short walk around the block. A 5-minute walk is better than no walk at all!
Final Note!
And remember – you don’t have to do it all or do it all at once. Try incorporating one new thing in every week and see if it fits with your schedule and your lifestyle – it should make a positive difference though – not feel like another chore!