We all know the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, but getting started is always tricky. “I’ll do it Monday,” almost always turns into Thursday and by the following Monday, the dreaded cycle begins again. For those of you who are familiar with this pattern, have no fear – these six easy steps will help get you ready for next Monday. So take the pressure off and get your body and mind ready to take on the world. Consider this your warm-up to next Monday!
Step One: Shut Your Eyes
Sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle, but sleep isn’t what it used to be. Unplug your laptop, put your phone away and relax before going down for the count. It’s important to get 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep so that your body has a chance to recover and regenerate.
Step Two: Eat Six Small Meals Per Day
Breakfast. Snack. Lunch. Snack. Dinner. Snack. By staggering your meals into six small portions, you avoid cravings and your body remains fulfilled throughout the day. This also helps you to begin better portion control.
Step Three: Drink More Water
Water flushes toxins from your body, helps with digestion, and allows you to stay active throughout the day. It also helps your skin glow and your thoughts flow!
Step Four: Eat Your Veggies!
Dark leafy greens are your friends. Kale is widely considered to be a cancer-fighting food, as is broccoli and spinach. They contain vitamins like A, C, K and folate along with minerals such as iron and calcium. They are also great sources of fiber.
Step Five: Get Outside!
Just be active. Studies have shown that outdoor activities help increase self-esteem and reduce depression, tension, anger and even symptoms of ADHD and Bipolar disorders. Take this week to walk at least 30 minutes a day for five days. If you can, throw in a strenuous workout once or twice and you’ll be wanting more come Monday!
Step Six: Eliminate Stress
Mediation, Yoga, hiking, biking and deep-breathing all help reduce stress and can even aid in reducing your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
So, before you commit to next Monday, use this week to wrestle these steps and give yourself a fighting chance. After all, Monday is right around the corner!
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