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3.03.2013

10 EASY Ways to Live A Happier and Healthier Lifestyle

Lately, stress and work are the main sources of sleepless nights, stressful evenings, and miserable mornings. After multiple weeks of enduring this, I decided it was time for change. I made simple changes in my diet and behavior, and I discovered an easy pathway to a happier and healthier lifestyle. The following tips are great ways to have more productive days:

1. Get at least 7 hours of sleep
Sleep not only promotes youthful skin and luminescence, but also performance and productivity. A good night's rest improves one's attention span and information retainability. Sleep is the ultimate necessity in order to function effectively and happily! Studies have shown that proper sleep is a major factor in depression prevention. 

2. Drink 8 glasses of water
Ever feel greasy after that burger or bag of chips? Drink water! Water cleanses one's system and flushes out all of the toxins from unhealthy food. Drinking water will also hydrate the body and improve skin health. 


3. Work out for 45 minutes a day
The purpose of fitness is not only to lose weight, but also to release stress! Taking a brisk walk or sweating in a kick boxing class will ultimately have beneficial results. Regular physical activity boosts endurance, and is an amazing way to clear one's mind. 
4. Avoid processed foods with MSG and unnatural chemicals
Processed food with MSG and unnatural chemicals are the ultimate diet killer. Any nutrition label with obscured words lack of information is bad sign. Try shopping at local farmers markets for fresh snacks and organic options! A healthy diet will improve one's energy immensely and promote a balanced digestion system.
5. Focus on "good carbs"
Instead of eating processed pasta and fried potatoes, try some grain toast and green vegetables! Although some people may think that carbs in general are "bad" for one's health, the right kinds can improve one's diet exponentially! Focusing on foods with high fiber contents and nutrients, as well as food with low energy density and glycemic index will ultimately serve as a healthy carb. Beans, legumes, and green veggies are great options!
6. An apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Apples are a superfood and the benefits are countless! Apples are known to curb all kinds of cancer, protect against Parkinson's disease, reduce cholesterol, control weight, boost the immune system, and SO MUCH MORE! Eating one apple in the morning orin the afternoon with some peanut butter as a snack is delicious and beneficial!
7. 10 minutes of morning and evening yoga

Although first-time yogis may feel silly attempting the poses, the after effect is worth it! If one doesn't have enough time to go to the gym, 10 minutes of yoga in the morning and evening will make a huge difference! Yoga is an amazing way to tone one's body and ultimately "just relax." Easy breathing exercises release stress and center one's mind. Buy a cheap yoga pad and keep it near the bed to use whenever you can spare some extra time!
8. Drink green tea
Green tea is the ultimate health beverage. It is known for its anti-aging effects as well as its yummy taste. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea leaves, providing a relaxing and tranquilizing effect that benefits tea drinkers. 
9. Listen to calming music
Whenever I feel gloomy, I play Frank Sinatra. His soothing voice is the ultimate cure to a bad mood. Calming classical music and rhythmic beats are a great way to block out daily stress.

10. Plan Plan Plan! (time management)
There is NOTHING worse than going into an important situation without proper planning. "Being unsure" escalates stress levels to an all time high. Buying a cute notebook planner is a great way prevent problems and enstill a sense of security. 


I hope you enjoyed this post and thought it was helpful! I truly think these little adjustments will make a mammoth difference! Implementing just a few is easy, and the reward is huge. Let me know if you try these tips out! Thank you for reading! :)

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