How to live a healthy life :)

‘Health is your wealth’. By looking after yourself and your health you will be able to live the best life possible. The reality is that by simply making small swaps in our everyday lives we can support our bodies strength, resilience, vitality and longevity. So below are some simple steps to help you feel a little better and live a little healthier every day.

Sleep

Sleep is one of the biggest factors of our health. Without sleep, the effect on our body/ mind is more than you would think. Our sleep gets neglected as a result of late nights at the office and early morning workouts and the reality is that sleep is essential to long term health. I would suggest creating a short bed time routine to get your body ready and to tell it, it’s rest time. Simple change such as switching your phone to airplane mode, creating a darker surrounding, reading a few pages of a book and practising daily gratitude. I find that implementing this routine helps me doze off much faster than when I rush straight into bed from being on my laptop, watching tv or clearing up.

Movement

There are multiple benefits to exercising. From increasing cardiovascular system and building stronger muscles, bones and joints through to supporting our mental health. Movement, any type of movement is beneficial. The most effective approach to exercise is the one that works for you. Whether that’s yoga, weight training, running, cycling, whatever it may be and however you enjoy moving do it! One thing we can all do almost every day is get walking and get outdoors. Try and aim for 8-10,000 steps a day to support long term health. Getting outside takes us away from our everyday stresses, moves our body and calms our mind. I use my lunch break to get in steps and listen to a podcast.

Nutrition

The most complex and difficult element of health seems to be nutrition. There are so many opinions especially advertised on social media on what we should be eating. BALANCE. I will forever preach balance as there is room for everything in our diets. The 80/20 rule. As long as you more of your diet is whole nutrient dense foods most of the time you can defiantly have whatever you like also. These include vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, runner beans, asparagus etc. These, especially dark leafy greens like kale and chard, are extremely nutrient dense, fibre rich and packed full of goodness. Aim to get in at least one to two portions a day and your body will thank you!

Screen-time

Our phones. Something we pick up and use everyday many many times. We are uncertain of the long term impacts on human mental and physical health – but I know that stepping taking time away from our screens helps to reduce stress levels and make your time more calm and present. There are numerous ways we can spend less time online but my favourite one is leaving my phone on airplane mode overnight and then keeping it there for the first 1-2 hours of my day. This allows me to start each morning with a clear and stress-free mind before I get bombarded by emails, messages and social media notifications.