Everybody wants to live a happy life. The only thing is, most people look to sources that won’t really make them happy in order to do it. For example, they look for happiness in clothes, money, and even in things like alcohol. They rarely go on a health mission to make themselves as happy as possible.
The truth is, becoming a healthier version of yourself can have brilliant effects on your mind, body, and spirit. So here are 15 essential health tips for a happy life:
Make Sure You’re Eating Right
The food we eat can play a huge part in how we feel about ourselves and the world. It can make us feel groggy and dull, or energized and happy. Don’t know where to start? Take baby steps and start adding more fruit, vegetables, and nuts into your diet.
Drink Lots of Water
Water is key to being healthy. It should be you go-to drink, rather than fizzy drinks, energy drinks, or anything else that makes you feel terrible. Your goal should be at least two litres a day, and things like green tea counts, too.
Avoid Too Many Treats
You can have treats, but to stay healthy you need to make sure you’re not having too many of them. A good formula to follow is 80/20; eat healthy 80% of the time, and indulge only 20% of the time.
For example: Eat healthy meals Sunday-Thursday. But feel free to indulge for a meal or two on Friday and Saturday.
Kick Your Bad Habits to the Curb
Do you have any bad habits? Some could include smoking, drinking, doing drugs, even drinking too much caffeine. Start eliminating them asap so you can kick them to the curb for good. Get some help if you need it; there’s nothing to be ashamed of and there are loads of services that could help you out there.
Get Active When You Can
You don’t need to spend all of your time in the gym, or even do a hardcore workout every day to be healthy and happy. Just try to get active when you can. You could walk, swim, do a class, whatever you like to do. Doing something three times a week is a great place to start.
You should enjoy it too; it shouldn’t feel like a chore! My go to is Zumba.
Go for Regular Check Ups
Make sure you go to your dentist appointments, doctor’s appointments, and even the local STD center. You can’t be too careful when it comes to your health!
Meditate
Meditation is amazing for your health, and all you need to do is try it and see for yourself. You don’t have to do much at all, simply sit and relax somewhere while clearing your mind. It can have so many positive effects. Do it for 10 minutes in the morning before you start your day and you’re bound to begin noticing a difference.
See Your Loved Ones
Face to face contact is important for our mental health. Plus, it can work wonders for your well being. That’s why making time to see your loved ones is important. They can become a sort of support network for you when you need it too, which is always great to have!
Develop Yourself
Never stop developing yourself and learning. It shouldn’t stop when you leave school. Plus, developing yourself, learning new skills and things will make you feel fulfilled and you might even find something new you want to do with your life.
Wash Your Hands
Keep yourself clean by washing your hands multiple times a day. You don’t want to be the person who spreads illness and germs without knowing it!
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep can change the way we feel. If you don’t get enough, you won’t perform as well as you can in your day to day life. If you get too much, you can feel just as bad as having too much.
To get into a good routine, try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day.
Take Care of Your Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it’s pretty much always exposed. Make sure you look after it by applying SPF every day, even if the sun isn’t shining. You should get into a good routine with this so you’re in the habit of applying it each day. You may not be able to see damage at first, but if you don’t apply SPF, it’s there!
Do What You Need to Do to De-stress
Stress can be a big cause of lots of different illnesses and issues, so do what you need to do to de-stress. Maybe it’s taking the time for your own hobbies. Maybe it’s writing, or painting. Maybe it’s something as simple as taking a hot bath after a long day. Whatever makes you feel calm is what you should do.
Treat Yourself
Treat yourself from time to time. Maybe you could have a massage or some other treatment that you feel will be good for you. It’s worth it when it makes you feel good!
Learn to Love Yourself
Many people are still learning to love themselves. If you can learn to love yourself, you’ll never feel bored or bad for being on your own. You shouldn’t rely on another person to bring you happiness or well being. You can do this all on your own if you just become your own best friend. It can take time and practice, but you’ll get there!
What makes you happy? Let us know in the comments below!
