12 Ways To A Happier, Healthier Life
By Kathryn M. D’Imperio
Every year we try to think of new ways to improve our lives, from losing weight to making more money, getting our clutter under control and fixing up the house. The New Year also inspires us to try to kick unhealthy habits like smoking or overeating. When it comes down to it, we can find so many ways to improve various aspects of our lives with a little creativity and determination. And in many cases, our decision to live healthier often impacts or inspires others around us to do the very same.
Of course, the definition of a truly healthy life varies a bit from one person to the next. Look at your life in terms of physical, mental, emotional and financial health, and happiness in general. Make a commitment to improve at least one aspect of your life this year, whether it’s your financial status, your weight and body, or paying more attention to the most important relationships in your life. If you are still riding on the momentum from a 2013 New Year’s resolution, use it to your advantage and work to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle with
these 12 tips.
1. START AND MAINTAIN AN EXERCISE ROUTINE
Even if you only walk one mile or spend 15 minutes doing a workout video a couple times a week, every little bit helps (especially having a routine). You can even spend just a few moments doing strength training, yoga stretches or other exercises that you enjoy. And, if you can manage a more rigorous exercise routine, by all means go for it! Track your progress in terms of daily exercise, weight and body measurements to keep you motivated.
2. FOCUS ON HEALTHY EATING
Buy fresh whenever possible. Avoid processed foods as best you can. Drink eight glasses of water per day. Implement portion control and watch your calories if necessary. And most importantly, remember that eating healthy does not always mean giving up all the things you love. You might just need to cut back on the fast food and sweets here and there.
3. KICK BAD HABITS
Quit smoking, drink alcohol less frequently or find other ways to improve your health by ditching detrimental habits. Easier said than done for sure, but the health benefits are well worth the time and hassle.
4. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS
Stretch your mind and learn something new. You can learn a new language, an eclectic skill or an exciting new hobby. You might also make an effort to meet new people, join a social club or do a little volunteer work. All of these things can enrich your life and ultimately, your happiness.
5. STAY ON TOP OF YOUR BILLS
For your own sanity when it comes to financial topics, look into setting up your bill pay process online. It simplifies everything. Still get your paper copies if you like, but try to pay everything in full and on time if you can manage it. This helps you to avoid late fees, finance charges, and the stress that comes with them.
6. SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY
If you can stash away enough money for a few months’ worth of expenses as an emergency fund, you will be in great shape should anything happen to your job or another unexpected part of your life. You can also set aside cash for a rainy day in case the spirit moves you to travel, make a new purchase, or act on a whim. Who wants to say no to an impromptu vacation or a great deal on a long-desired purchase?
7.KEEP OPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION
Encourage your children (and your spouse) to talk about their day over dinner or right when they get home from school. Make a habit of these conversations so that you’ll always know if something is bothering your child or your partner. Moreover, you can never say “I love you” too much to the people you care about most. Be sure your children, spouse, significant other, parents and others know just how much you care. Don’t be afraid to show it!
8. NEVER GO TO BED ANGRY
If you and your significant other or spouse get into a quarrel, try to make amends (or at least agree to disagree, even if temporarily) before you go to sleep. This is very important on an emotional level. Keep the tension at bay so you can have a more peaceful, restful snooze and don’t bring bad feelings into the bedroom.
9. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
Not all disagreements are worthy of a fight. Choose your battles, let the small stuff go and move on. Also, avoid working yourself up into a tizzy over things you cannot control. Worrying is something we all do, but it’s only productive when you can do something about it. Worry can escalate into anxiety, which can ultimately impact your mood, and maybe even your health.
10. CREATE AND FOLLOW TRADITIONS
Start with each holiday and come up with a fun tradition to enjoy with your family or friends. It keeps you close and allows you to make special memories over and over again with the ones you love. Whether it’s a cookie bake or a family game night, you can come up with wonderful traditions to cherish year after year.
11. ALWAYS MAKE TIME FOR YOUR
FAMILY, FRIENDS AND PETS
Today’s technology and social networks make it easy to trade that personal connection for a digital one. Be sure to schedule social gatherings and real phone calls with your friends and loved ones. Take a few minutes each day to play with your pet or go for a walk together. Reach out to your grandparents, parents and children more frequently to let them know you care. Also be sure to respond to phone calls, text messages, and e-mails in a reasonable amount of time to keep the conversation going.
12. DREAM BIG AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Follow your heart as well as your gut. Think about your personal life goals. Imagine your ideal job and what you need to do to get there. Think of other personal goals that you have and steps needed to achieve them. Allow yourself to dream of the perfect life for you, and keep working at it until you find that all of your dreams are starting to come true.
With a dozen (or more) things on the To Do list for 2013, it becomes easy to just decide “I don’t have time.” This feeling is all too common, from finding time to exercise to spending more time with family, friends and even pets. Can you find 10 minutes per day to do some kind of exercise? Sure. Can you stop working a little earlier or let the housework go for a day or two so you can spend some quality time with your son or daughter? Most definitely. So, if you don’t do these things already, why not?
Look at the big picture with all the things you hope to achieve. Determine which tasks you must accomplish and which ones can fall to the wayside, at least temporarily. You may have to tell yourself which items on the list simply aren’t priorities based on your overloaded schedule. Say it out loud, and stop making excuses. Exercising is not a priority. Eating well is not a priority. Spending more time with my family or my pet is not a priority. Ouch, doesn’t sound so good out loud, right? But maybe that’s the point. Decide on your top priorities and stick to them. Make a commitment to yourself and to your family. Stay focused. Write down your goals. All these small steps can ultimately help you to achieve your deepest hopes and dreams. And isn’t true happiness the greatest dream of all?
