With all that life throws at you, your health can fall to the wayside. But, especially around this time of year, it’s crucial that you make your physical and mental health a priority. Believe it or not, some of the habits you have and the choices you make may be getting in the way of your optimal wellness. That said, take a hard look at all aspects of your life to see what you’re doing wrong or what you could be doing better.
On one hand, your living situation could be impacting your health. Anything from your roommates, to the neighborhood you live in, to your house itself may not be the right fit for you, causing you loads of stress. On the other hand, your habits have a similar capability of hindering your overall wellness. Your sleeping, eating, fitness, and organizational habits can all make your healthiest, happiest self either a reality or a distant dream.
Whether it’s a physical change or an emotional transformation, there are countless ways to better yourself in order to achieve a healthier, happier lifestyle. Read on to find out some unique ways you can improve your home and your habits for better physical and mental wellbeing.
Move out
No matter if you’re living in your childhood home, in an apartment with friends, or cooped up in a condo with your significant other, it’s always a good time for a fresh start. There’s nothing wrong with outgrowing your living situation and upsizing to achieve the dream of owning your own home. While the home buying process can be extremely stressful for first-timers, the end result can be remarkably rewarding. Look into the necessary steps like saving for a down payment, finding a real estate agent, applying for a mortgage preapproval, making an offer, and more. Knowing what’s required for each step will help you feel fully prepared to move into your dream home and take away some of the stress involved.
Organize your home
A home doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be perfect for you. It can be a bit small or even a bit messy, which is where being organized can go a long way. Clutter around the house can make it difficult to focus, posing distractions and making you more frequently frustrated. Removing this clutter leads to decreased anxiety and feelings of accomplishment. For a more organized lifestyle, cut down on unnecessary items by selling or donating them and implement storage systems to maximize the space you have. Remember that fewer things means fewer decisions and fewer obstacles throughout the day, so minimize your stuff for a clear house and a clear mind.
Fine tune your finances
Seventy-three percent of Americans claim that finances are their biggest stressor in life. With so many struggling when it comes to money, it’s time to start thinking about how to solve this nationwide issue. Building up your savings is an easy way to provide peace of mind in case of any emergencies. Paying down debt will also cut down on the financial burdens you’re facing and help you achieve financial freedom. Change your spending habits to spend less money, cut back on unnecessary services, and make more affordable lifestyle choices like eating in and working out at home. Any change, big or small, can reduce your stress and put you in a better financial position for the future.
Work fitness into your day
Working out is intimidating to those who haven’t dabbled in it for years. Not only is exercising in public facilities frightening to some, but it can also be nerve-wracking to get on a treadmill in the privacy of your own home. However, exercising to any degree – whether it’s walking, running, swimming, or taking a yoga class – can boost your mood, give you a sense of self-confidence, and advance your overall health. Try a bunch of different avenues for fitness to see what you enjoy. Plus, there are beginner’s classes for most types of activities that make trying something new with a friend a bit less pressuring. Overcome your fitness insecurities to prolong your lifespan and enhance your happiness.
Show kindness
Acts of kindness aren’t just good for the ones we make them toward – they’re mutually beneficial. Being kind, compassionate, and generous to others is proven to boost self-esteem and reduce stress, which has been linked to longer, happier lives. Some try to incorporate one simple act of kindness per day. It may present as holding the door for someone, paying it forward at the drive thru, or simply giving a stranger a compliment. Expressing gratitude is also a great way to boost your mood and the mood of those around you. Remember to be kind to yourself as well, as self-love and self-care are critical components of overall health and happiness.
Meditate
Meditation is a practice based on mindfulness. It consists of focusing on breathing patterns, connecting with yourself, and tuning out the noise. During this process, one pays close attention to their body and mind for a preferred amount of time. In doing so, meditators feel calmer, less stressed, and more focused throughout the day. There are plenty of different meditation apps like Calm with techniques for all levels of experience to help manage anxiety. Calm has been named the best app overall for meditation because of its flexibility and simplicity. You can also find guided sessions on podcasts and YouTube videos. Try this out when life becomes complicated and you begin to feel overwhelmed with anxiety.
Meal plan
We all know that nutritious foods are the key to overall health. We also know the list of dos and don’ts of healthy eating is not only subjective, but seemingly endless as well. What you can do when you’re getting mixed messages about what to eat is to cut down your portions and prep your meals ahead of time. Meal prepping gives you a structured eating plan for the week, leaving little room for opting for unhealthier options like fast food. It can also help you limit yourself to smaller portions. Another benefit is that buying meals in bulk can save you money and time later on, relieving you of some stress in a time crunch or a financial jam.
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