How to Achieve Well-Being Beyond Your Waisline
What does it mean to be healthy? For the myopic, it’s little more than the right number showing up when they step on the scale, but you know better than that. Even if you’re at the perfect weight, you could still feel miserable, particularly if you’re lonely, fatigued and overstressed, in which case it would be absurd to claim you’ve achieved anything close to well-being, which should be the real goal. That requires much more than firm muscles and a trim waistline.
What you need is a healthy lifestyle that results in positive energy, peace of mind and, yes, a figure that you’re happy to see when you look in the mirror. How do you get all that in today’s hectic world with so little time to spare? Here are some ideas.
A Bit of Mindfulness
What that means is focusing on your body in the present moment, accepting each thought and emotion that enters your mind, then releasing them so you can move on to a state of calm. That’s an essential part of yoga, an ancient Indian art form that combines aspects of meditation with core strength and balance exercises. Goat Yoga is a great way to get started, and in the most adorable way possible!
An Evening Routine
This ensures you get the right amount of quality sleep that your mind and body need to properly recover from a hard day’s work. Start by switching off your smartphone and tablet when you come home, as that does little more than keep you on edge. Find some relaxing activities instead, such as sipping a cup of tea or taking a warm bath.
A Balanced Diet
You knew this tip was coming, and you’ve probably heard it all before, but it’s still important to mention the importance of eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. It’s much easier, and less time consuming, if you plan your meals in advance rather than scrounge through the refrigerator for ingredients wondering what to make.
An Active Social Life
You’ve got to get out and see your friends more often. The laughter they provide is a sure antidote to the blues, and your best buds are an excellent source of advice when you’re facing a problem that you don’t know how to deal with. If you’re looking for tips on how to get the gang together, Bustle has a few that keep you from going broke in the process.
Intellectual Endeavors
That means little more than picking up a book every now and then to expand your knowledge of the world and gain some new perspective on life. Still, it wouldn’t be foolish to visit a museum or art gallery on occasion, which makes for a wonderful activity to do with friends while getting you out of the house.
An Enjoyable Hobby
It takes your mind off work for a while so you can relax when you get home. However, that doesn’t mean that playing the guitar, cooking, or knitting can’t be challenging and give you something to be proud of. In fact, if you decide to explore some new skills, you may just discover a talent that you never knew you had, says a writer with Develop Good Habits.
A Clean Home
We’re talking about clean air, as you are what you breathe. That’s not hard to obtain; all you need is an air purifier, which gets rid of allergens, toxins and dust floating around the house before they lodge themselves in your respiratory system. Also be sure to change the filters on your furnace and make sure the new ones have a minimum efficiency reporting value of at least 6.
A Mix of Exercise
A jog around the park is great, but it should be mixed in with some strength training. Incorporating both cardio and strength-enhancing activities into your workout routine not only helps you burn calories more efficiently, but also improves your balance, coordination and posture, says a writer with Everyday Health. Goat Yoga is a great way to get your heart pumping while building strength and flexibility in your muscles, and it’s way more fun than logging miles running laps!
You may need to make some changes to your daily routine if you want to integrate these changes into your life. But don’t worry – it’ll be fun and more than worth it.