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Make this year your happiest, healthiest one yet.
By PopSugar — Written on Sep 20, 2019
Ready to make space for some much needed balance in your world? Follow these 10 simple and straightforward rules to cultivate the happy and healthy life you've always craved.
1. Keep your mornings relaxing.
Even just five minutes of pure relaxation makes a huge difference in your mood and energy all day. And leave plenty of time to eat a filling breakfast, stretch or meditate, and have a calm commute to start every day out on a happy Zen note.
2. Make time to get up and move.
Exercise increases endorphins, boosts immunity, relieves stress, and keeps you feeling strong and confident in your body. There's no need to go crazy with an intense hour-long workout every day of the week—even a little daily exercise can go a long way and is some of the best medicine available for the body and mind.
3. Eat real food.
Processed junk food makes your blood sugar spike, pumps your body with unnatural ingredients, and leaves you feeling hungry and unsatisfied soon after you eat it. So, choosing real, whole, all-natural clean foods just makes sense if you're serious about your health and happiness.
4. Reach for water.
When feeling fatigued or in need of a boost, don't immediately reach for a caffeinated or sugary beverage. Often, a foggy, tired brain is a sign of dehydration—so sip on plenty of water all day to keep energy levels up and soaring.
5. Listen to your body when it talks.
Happy people have their bodies work with them, instead of against them. They put down their fork when they've had enough, hit up a yoga class when they need a release, and don't pour that third (or fourth) cocktail when they know it's not a good idea. And if you're willing to listen, your body has plenty to say.
6. Love those vegetables!
Vegetables aren't added to a plate because your body has to eat them—it's because it wants to eat them. Colorful produce is packed with nutrients that help your body to function at its top potential.
7. Invest in your fitness and health.
Don't wait until you're feeling poorly and out of sorts to take care of your needs—commit to that studio package, get an occasional massage, and make those doctor appointments that it's time to schedule.
8. Always remember to be grateful.
When someone's attention is focused on what's lacking, that's exactly what they're going to get—more lacking. Instead of focusing on the job they don't have or a number on the scale they don't want to see, positive people are not afraid to give thanks for all the gifts they have in life—both large and small.
9. Slow down and smile.
Life isn't always so serious for happy and healthy folks—they make time to connect with loved ones and aren't afraid to show kindness to strangers. And laughing always helps, too.
10. Get your rest.
When tired or feeling worn out, don't schedule another activity or commit to another event. Having healthy boundaries keeps you feeling safe, connected, and energized. So take alone time to recharge at home. And when it's time to get some sleep, turn off the computers, stop binging on Netflix, and get to bed.
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By Lizzie Fuhr
This article was originally published at Popsugar Fitness. Reprinted with permission from the author.