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| Make sure you get enough sleep, wherever that may be ;-) |
We all have those moments when we decide to make grand and sweeping changes to our lifestyles. That Monday morning when after gouging on pizza all weekend, we vow to lose 20 pounds in the next month. That point three days after payday when we’ve already spent half our pay cheque on cigarettes and decide to quit smoking with immediate effect. That afternoon when we see a celebrity in a photo shoot rocking abs made of granite and decree that is what we want to look like.
The trouble with these huge targets is that sometimes, they just aren’t achievable. What can be more beneficial in terms of improving your health can be to set much smaller goals that are easier to incorporate into your daily routine and will improve a broad range of aspects of your health.
Here are four small ways in which you can improve your overall health.
De-stress on a regular basis
One of the biggest dangers to our health is stress, and that is why we should try and combat it every day of our lives. There are many different methods with which you can combat stress, but sometimes, the best ways are the simplest. Finding just 10 minutes in your day to do an activity you enjoy will make you happier and prevent stress levels building. Failing that, you can use various herbs and plants to de-stress. A cup of chamomile tea a day will help you relax while other herbs that can be used as de-stressing aids include kava, lemon balm, and kratom which is available from the San Francisco kratom store.
Hide the salt
When you sit down at the dinner table, what’s the first thing you reach for? If the answer is the salt shaker, then you could be one of the 90 percent of Americans who consumes too much salt. An excess of salt can lead to serious health complications later in life, largely arising from increased blood pressure. Hiding the salt at mealtimes can help you avoid sprinkling it all over your dinner. If you think you can’t live without salt, then try tasting your food before you salt it – you might realize that actually, it doesn’t need anything extra on top.
Get an early night
Not many people manage to get the seven or more hours of sleep that is recommended for an adult to remain healthy. Over time, not hitting the target can increase your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Treat yourself to an early night every now and again to give your body the proper rest it needs to fix and repair itself. Even going to bed 15 minutes earlier than you normally do can over the course of the month give you 17 hours more sleep, which can make a huge difference.
Take the stairs
Next time you are faced with the choice of elevator or stairs, don’t take the easy option. Climbing stairs will get your heart rate rising, your blood pumping and give you a priceless cardiovascular workout as part of a journey you would have had to make anyway. Some medical experts recommend that you take 10,000 steps a day and shunning the elevator can make a big difference to your chances of reaching that target.
