Top 10 tips to Living a Healthier Life

Just because summer is over and we don’t need to squeeze into skimpy bathing suits and shorts doesn’t mean we can stop eating healthy and exercising. In fact, living a healthier life should be a lifetime goal.

Many folks try out the healthy living thing seasonally or for special occasions, after the new year, for a reunion, etc. However, healthy living should be a year round thing and not just about being able to fit into that dress. Being healthy goes far beyond your dress size and has nothing to do with being skinny. It’s about being healthy.

Well, for many, the idea of healthy living is a daunting task. Many folks think it means no more yummy food, no more fun and lots of time in the gym. But that’s so not true! Every little bit helps and the more you build on better habits and take baby steps, the more likely these changes will be lifelong good habits. Plus, small changes over time are way less painful than trying to change your bad habits all at once.

Here are my top 10 simple tips to help you get on the right foot to a healthier life:

• Up your water consumption – Carry a water bottle with you everywhere. Having it with you at all times will help keep it top of mind and will soon become habit to drink from all day.
• Get plenty of rest – Getting at least 6 hours of sleep is the easiest way to get on the path to wellness. The body repairs itself while you get rest so do your best to get as much sleep as possible, daily!
• Get moving! – If even for a walk around the block after lunch or dinner, getting 20 minutes of moderate exercise at least 3 times a week will get your blood flowing, heart pumping and burn calories. Plus it’s a great stress reliever!
• Don’t go it alone – Finding a health and fitness buddy will help you stay on track. There is strength in numbers!
• Play! – Joy is key to overall health. Taking time for yourself to do something you love will help relieve stress and keep you focused when you have to work so you can look forward to your next “fun time”
• Add in veggies – Yes, you need to cut out the bad, processed, sugary foods but at the beginning, try to add in veggies and healthy foods instead of cutting out the bad stuff. It’s easier, mentally, to add than it is to subtract and your body will naturally want to cut out the bad stuff once you add in the good stuff!
• Meditate – Taking at least 5 minutes to yourself to have quiet, mindfullness, will help you focus better and take on the stress of the day.
• Get financially fit – Healthy finances lead to peace of mind. Get help from a financial advisor to help you set a plan to pay off debt and start to save.
• A healthy home – Our surroundings are a big part of how we eat, sleep and function. A cluttered, messy home leads to a cluttered and messy mind so start cleaning up and getting rid of things you don’t need. Your home is your sanctuary, make it feel that way!
• Talk – Relationships a huge component in living a healthier life. Having someone to talk to in times of need as well as people you enjoy spending time with that add positivity to your life will only help you live a happier, healthier life!

And another thing you can do is this weekend! America’s Largest Health Fair is being held at Walmart’s nationwide this Saturday, October 10th from 12pm to 4pm! It’s a free event that will offer everything from health screenings and healthy product samples as well as fun for the whole family.

Walmart is promoting #Just10 , the idea that just 10 minutes can make your life healthier. Instead of trying to tackle health goals that require a lot of time, effort and will power – focus on what you can do in just 10 minutes to get you started. Walmart wants to help you make your life healthier, in just 10 minutes.

So with Walmart and my 10 easy tips, I wish you a happy and healthy Fall so you can bypass the unhealthiness of the holidays and get a leg up on the new year!