Taking the Journey to a Healthier You – 4 Tips for Starting Out!

Living a healthy lifestyle is an excellent goal for all of us, but sometimes it can feel scary. Luckily, it doesn't have to be hard or tedious. There are many simple ways to make the process enjoyable and easy to follow. This article will discuss four tips that make a living healthily desirable and achievable! Let's explore some of these methods and see how you can easily practice an enjoyable healthy lifestyle.

Create a positive environment around you

Let's start by focusing on your environment. This can help you feel even more motivated to work towards your goals and practice a healthy lifestyle. Surround yourself with supportive people who will encourage you toward better health. Working out with a buddy or creating meal plans can be highly beneficial. I've experienced this first-hand, as my boyfriend and I plan out our workouts together and try to avoid excess certain foods and alcohol. This makes you realize you aren't alone and can be very encouraging. In addition to surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people, you can incorporate positivity into your space. Keeping your space clean and organized can help to clear the mind, and surrounding yourself with things that make you feel good, like cozy blankets or twinkly lights, can lead to a better mood and overall well-being.

Make small changes in your diet

Healthy eating doesn't have to be a drag. Making small changes in your diet is a great way to test the waters and see what works best for you. Consider if you're eating enough fruits and vegetables and drinking enough water; if not, try to be more mindful. You can also reduce processed foods and cut down on alcohol. Something pretty cool is how non-alcoholic drinks have been rising in popularity these days. This can be an excellent way to have something fun to drink without experiencing the negative effects that can come with alcohol. 

When it comes to meals and snacks, have fun and try different recipes. You may be surprised at how many other things you can make that are both healthy and delicious. Be sure to talk with your doctor or dietician to see what they would recommend for you to get the best nutrition you can in the most accessible way!

Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine

Incorporating regular physical activity into your lifestyle can significantly benefit your body and mind. Exercise helps to strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, improve mood, and reduce stress levels, to name a few benefits! Workouts could include walking, running, yoga, or any other type of physical activity that you enjoy. Exercising can feel intimating at first, but with so many physical activity options, it can be enjoyable to explore new things! I love yoga and participate in a weekly heated class. It's a challenging class, but it's gratifying. A Zumba-style class is also fun if you want to get your groove on. If you have hiking in your area, this is another great way to get moving while taking in some beautiful views, which makes the workout more fun. There are truly so many ways to stay active!

Get enough sleep each night

Getting enough sleep each night is crucial to ensure that your body is well-rested and energized for the day ahead. Most adults need 7 hours of quality sleep per night. How can you achieve this? Having a consistent bedtime routine each night is good, including limiting screen time before bed and turning off electronics at least an hour before sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques such as meditation or progressive muscle relaxation to help you fall asleep. If you're following the other tips, such as exercising, that should help you sleep better.

Living an enjoyable healthy lifestyle can be simple and manageable. You can make small changes that will lead to significant progress, and it is important to remember that your health should always come first. You can use many methods to create a healthier lifestyle, but the ones listed above are some of the best. With dedication and perseverance, you can get on track to living an enjoyable healthy lifestyle that will benefit your body and mind! Of course, we can fall under the weather sometimes or may even experience injuries. If so, don't neglect to visit your doctor or an urgent care facility for quicker care. The most important thing to take away is that you are essential, including your health. Take care of yourself; you deserve it!

Helaina Cozza
Helaina is a content writer for OCN. She is a Colorado transplant and loves the Colorado lifestyle. Some activities she enjoys are skiing, going to concerts, and hiking.
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