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These days we need to do everything we can to help ourselves look and feel healthier. We have more work, more worries, more responsibilities -- and all of this can take a real toll on how we look and feel. But there are simple things we can do to rejuvenate ourselves inside and out. Here are my top ten tips for looking and feeling healthier.
1. Drink enough water
This is a big one, because there is no way to be healthy and dehydrated; our bodies need water. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, and remember that soda, coffee, and alcoholic beverages don't count as hydration. See also: Staying Healthy And Hydrated.
Another benefit of drinking water: Drinking Water Before Meals To Lose Weight -- A new study found that middle-aged and older adults who drank two cups of water before each meal consumed fewer calories and lost more weight than those who skipped drinking water.
2. Eat more healthy foods than unhealthy foods
You don't have to be a health nut, but at least try to incorporate healthy foods into your diet whenever possible. Try this - For a week keep track of what foods you're eating each day. At the end of the week examine your list and determine if you are eating more healthy foods than unhealthy ones. Then find ways you can replace some of the unhealthy stuff with healthy stuff. Also See: Getting Reacquainted With Health Food
3. Eat slowly and savor every bite
We spend so much time being in a rush these days that we never take the time to enjoy and savor our meals. Not only is it more enjoyable and better for your digestive system to eat slower, but it can also prevent you from overeating by giving you enough time to feel full.
4. Eat purple fruits and vegetables
From Eating Well -- Research shows that people who eat blue and purple fruits and vegetables -- blueberries, plums, purple cabbage, black currants, eggplant and purple grapes -- have a reduced risk for high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol (that’s the good kind).
5. Fight wrinkles with antioxidant-rich foods
From eHow -- What Foods Help Fight Wrinkles -- Foods that are loaded with antioxidants help prevent the development of wrinkles. Antioxidant-rich foods that are proven to help skin texture and tone include blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, garlic, prunes, black plums, apples (Gala, Red Delicious, Granny Smith), pinto beans, red kidney beans, artichokes and tomatoes.
6. Find ways to walk more
You may not be the kind of person who exercises regularly, but that doesn't mean you can't find ways to be a little more active. One way you can do that is to walk a little more. Here are a few examples...
- Take the steps rather than the elevator.
- Instead of driving around looking for the closest parking spot, purposefully choose a spot farther away.
- On a nice day, take a walk around your neighborhood with a friend.
- On a not so nice day, go window shopping at your local mall.
7. Focus on things you’re grateful for
It seems that life is so busy and hectic that we never have a chance to stop and acknowledge the things we're grateful for, so we need to make the time. Set aside a few minutes each day to be thankful for what you have, and not just the big things, the little ones too. If you like to journal, this is a great thing to include.
8. Take a mental break
Reduce stress by finding some time each and every day for personal quiet time and mental rejuvenation. You could read a book, have a cup of tea, meditate, do some deep breathing exercises -- whatever you find relaxing and comforting. Finding time for ourselves is just as important as finding time for chores, work and family. Sometimes it's more important.
9. Laugh
A good laugh provides a great physical and emotional release. It relaxes our muscles and aids our mental, emotional and spiritual health.
