Do you wake up every morning feeling amazing? If you’re like most of us, the answer is no. We have good days and bad ones, but the good ones are often fewer and further in-between as we age.
Why? Well, we could blame it on those long winter months of couch-potato’ing or late-night binges but the truth is that toxicity comes from everywhere, and it adds up over time. So even if you’re thinking you’ve lived a relatively healthy life so far, you can probably do more for your health. When it comes down to it, there’s nothing more important than life itself.
Here’s how to begin a quest for wellness:
1. Stop unhealthy habits:
If you’re currently drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or doing drugs, stop. You don’t necessarily have to do it cold turkey, but you should stop these habits a few months before starting a new diet and exercise plan.
You can start making as many healthy choices as you feel comfortable now, but the important part is quitting your bad habits. If you have trouble doing this on your own, find a detox to help you through it.
2. Make a diet plan:
If you’re coming off a period of inactivity, you’re going to like this phase. All you have to do in this moment is come up with a good, solid plan. But before you settle on anything, do your research. Many
people swear by the health benefits of the keto diet, but it’s not for everyone. There is no one-size fits all approach, so find something that works for you. Oftentimes, the best plans are the simplest, so you
may be more comfortable with a basic whole-foods-based approach. That’s okay. You can also approach a dietician for guidance.
3. Make an exercise plan:
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggests getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily or 2 ½ hours weekly. If you want to focus on wellness, exercise must be part of your plan. But remember, the
best exercise plan is the one you stick with, so choose something that seems fun. This is a great time to join a gym or sign up for a group fitness class.
4. Focus on your mental health:
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so make a concerted effort to foster good habits here too. If you had been feeling depressed, a change in diet and exercise should give you a boost. You can also explore healthier coping mechanisms for stress and consider adding meditation to your routine.
Your quest for wellness does not have to be difficult. In fact, if you make it too complicated, you may not stick with the plan. Once your simple plan is in place, try committing to a short period like 30 days. And once you pass that milestone, commit to another 30 days. There may not be an end to this quest, but you will eventually enjoy the journey.
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