If you’re feeling stressed out, overwhelmed and like there are never enough hours in the day to get things done, the last thing you need is to be told to take an hour out of your day to exercise, cook organic meals or go to hot yoga. While these are all healthful ideas, they will probably feel like another item on your endless to-do list.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to better yourself mentally, emotionally and spiritually throughout the day that will, over time, improve your overall health. Check out some of these easy-peasy tips:
1. Eliminate the Little Hassles in Life
Ever notice it’s the little disruptions in life — not the large, seemingly insurmountable hurdles — that make us feel the most frazzled? With this in mind, look for ways to get rid of these small annoyances that add up like grains of sand into an anthill of stress. For example, if you tend to misplace your phone headphones, spending $10 on a PopSocket will make life easier.
PopSockets, or expanding grips and stands that attach to most smartphones, tablets and cases, come in a variety of colors and styles. So stick it to the back of your smartphone and wind your earbud cord around the base of the PopSocket and boom —your day just got infinitely better.
2. Try Something New
While routines can give us a sense of predictable peace, they can sometimes also make us feel like we’re in a massive rut. Indeed, a little change of pace can make things seem new again and open your eyes to new ideas and possibilities. With that in mind, add some variety to your day by doing something as simple as:
- Trying out a new café for lunch
- Taking a slightly different way home from work
- Changing the photos and decorations on your desk
- Ordering something other than your usual vanilla latte
3. Exercise for Just Minutes at a Time
You may not have the energy or time to commit to a Zumba class, but chances are you can find two minutes throughout your day for a quick cardio workout. For instance, when you’re watching TV, see how many squats you can do during the commercial break, or stand up against a wall and do some wall pushups.
If squats and pushups aren’t quite your thing, there are a number of other great two-minute workouts you can do, including timing how long you can hold a plank position and seeing how many reps you can get in while lifting free weights. Just make sure to be safe and never overextend yourself while performing any exercise routine.
4. Drink More Water
Heard of the 8×8 rule? It calls for drinking eight, eight-ounce glasses of water — this equates to a half gallon of water — every day. Now that’s some major water intake, Batman! And it’s something that may not be achievable every day. Think about it: how often do you have a bottle of water at your side?
If water is a luxury in your home or office (your choice or not), it can be difficult to get enough water into your system. With that in mind, make sure to have a water bottle handy at your desk, in your living room and in your vehicle — and remind yourself to stop and take a sip every so often. In no time, you’ll be able to drink 64 ounces of water every day without issue.
Remember: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
You don’t have to make a number of drastic changes in your life to become healthier. Instead, finding chunks of time throughout the day to focus on your health and well-being can go a long way in feeling more like yourself.
Look for some simple ways to eliminate minor hassles throughout your day, mix up your routine a bit and see how many sit-ups you can do during the commercials. Ultimately, heeding some or all of these tips can make all the difference in maintaining a solid emotional and physical self.
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