Knowing where to begin when it comes to transitioning to a healthy lifestyle can be difficult, as there are so many different directions you can go in. However, we have put together a guide with three very simple ways to start a healthier life that aren’t too overwhelming or challenging. Giving up all your favourite foods and starting a strict exercise regime is not a sustainable way to change your lifestyle. So, start with these three simple steps and you will soon feel happier and healthier.
Get Into A Routine
The first basic thing you can do to transition to a more healthy lifestyle is to get into a routine. This doesn’t have to be a strict routine planned out to the minute, but having a brief plan for the day will help you to fit in a few new healthy additions to your life. Additionally, there is more to being healthy than your physical health, and being in a routine can be fantastic for your mental health. This will help you to get healthier overall.
Your routine could start with getting up an hour earlier than you usually would, to give you time for some light exercise and a nutritious breakfast. You might then spend your lunch hour learning a new skill you’ve been putting off rather than watching TV or scrolling on social media. After work, you could spend half an hour getting your work lunches ready for the week, catch up with friends and then go to bed an hour earlier than usual to make sure you aren’t missing any sleep.
Start by writing your new routine down and then eventually it will become second nature. This is a fantastic first step and getting up an hour earlier than usual will actually make you feel much more refreshed!
Eat More Nutrients
Next up, rather than cutting out every single food you love, aim to eat more nutrients. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds will help to give your body the right kind of fuel that it needs. As you gradually get used to eating more nutritious foods, you will notice how great it feels and it will be easier to gradually cut down on the not-so-good stuff!
It isn’t sustainable to completely restrict yourself, so focusing on eating more good things and slightly less unhealthy things is the best place to start. Try different fruits and vegetables each week and potentially look into taking particular supplements if you are struggling to access everything you need. For example, if you don’t eat much red meat, you might need to think about vitamin D tablets.
Start Gentle Exercise
Now that you’re fuelling your body with the foods it needs, it is a great time to start exercising. I’m sure everyone is aware how important exercise is for every element of our mental and physical health, from stress relief and reduced blood pressure to improved circulation and reduced risk of serious illness such as heart disease.
There is no need to go crazy if you are just starting, so keep it simple with a brisk walk. It is advised that adults should have 30 minutes of exercise a day to stay healthy, so you could do your walk once a day before work or after work, then perhaps a longer walk over the weekend. This is an amazing opportunity to build your fitness and also to de-stress. You could also try cycling or swimming as low impact options to get you started.
Final Thoughts
It is never too late to turn your life around and to become more healthy. Simple changes can make a huge difference to your health, so start by introducing a few new things into your life and you will soon see the benefits! Whether it’s taking a magnesium supplement or a brisk walk each morning, it’s time to take that first step towards change.