Small Steps To Better Health

Many people assume that attaining better health involves making huge, life-altering changes. Although major adjustments can be beneficial, small steps can also yield improved health and vitality. These small steps are easy to implement --- you can start doing them today and they do not require much money or time. As you have included these changes into your routine, gradually challenge yourself to do more. For example, once you have added a little sleep or exercise, gradually try adding more and more. Those baby steps really add up over time.

Nutrition

Small dietary changes can add up to significant health gains. Add one delicious salad per day, chock-full of a variety of healthy raw vegetables, such as celery, cucumbers, carrots, parsley and seeds. Also, drinking clean water, such as spring water, is one of the most important things you can do for your health. You could take the small step of drinking two more 8-oz. glasses of water per day.

Exercise

Your body needs to move, and although getting adequate amounts of exercise is preferable, even small changes in your routine can pay off. Try taking the stairs rather than the elevator, parking your car further from the grocery store or your office or taking 10-minute exercise breaks throughout the day. Stop to stretch, even if you are sitting at your computer, once per hour.

Outdoor Time

Spending time outdoors, preferably in nature, can give you a big health boost. The fresh air and beneficial vitamin D from sunlight are excellent benefits. Even just spending 10 minutes outside per day is a step in the right direction. Maintain this practice of going outside for short periods of time even on days when the weather is less desirable.

Sleep

Your body needs plenty of sleep to be in optimal physical, mental and emotional condition, yet many people do not get enough restorative sleep and rest. As a small step you can take in the process of gradually improving your sleep habits, start by going to bed just 15 minutes earlier than you usually do. Turn off the television and computer just a little bit sooner each evening, and you will find you did not miss much yet improve your health a little at a time.

Stress Management

Stress is a leading contributor to misery and illness in many people's lives, so it is important to get it under control. You do not need to start off by incorporating an elaborate, lengthy stress management routine into your life. Rather, you can start small by including deep breathing exercises throughout your day. Every hour or two, take a break from what you are doing to close your eyes and relax your entire body. Breathe in slowly and deeply, then exhale fully. Do a few more breaths like this. You could feel a big change in your level of relaxation even from a simple practice like frequent deep breathing.