They say it’s the little things that count, and for many that’s true. But, for some, the little things seem non-existent. Don’t get down on yourself. Even though the news media routinely reports negative stories, and politics seems hopeless, there’s plenty of things to feel good about. And, there are plenty of things you can do that will make you look and feel extraordinary. Here are just a few.
Exercise
Exercise means more than just going out for a jog. It means getting outside for a walk, for a run, and then getting in the gym to lift weights. Exercise, and specific goal-oriented training are what will make you feel better and live longer.
It’s the goal aspect that does it though. When you feel like you’re making progress, you’re more motivated to keep going. And, those long-term benefits start to add up when you pack on muscle, don’t run out of breath from walking up a flight of stairs, and look and feel great naked.
Aim to get just 2 hours a week in the gym lifting weights. Focus on the big compound lifts for maximum benefit – the squat, the deadlift, the overhead press, and the bench press. Ladies, don’t be shy around barbells. They won’t make you bulky (you don’t have enough testosterone to get bulky). You’ll just end up looking sexy.
Drink More Water
Did you know that drinking more water will make you feel better, lose weight more easily, have more regular bowel movements and make your skin look better? Staying hydrated is really important! You know you’re supposed to drink more water, but do you? Odds are, you don’t drink enough. Get a Perth office water dispenser and start drinking more. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day.
Make sure you’re getting plenty of magnesium, potassium, chloride, and sodium in your diet. Don’t overdo it on any one of those salts but, if you have to overdo it, err on the side of more magnesium and potassium.
These four minerals are also known as “electrolytes” and they help keep you from dehydrating. Check out SmartWater and 1907Water.
Getting More Sleep
Sleep is something almost everyone needs to work on. If you’re not getting at least 8 hours of rest, you’re not getting enough sleep. Even if you are getting 8 hours, it might not be quality sleep.
Try to focus on getting more of that – quality sleep. Turn out the lights at about 8 or 9 PM and pick up a book to settle yourself down for bed. If you do watch T.V., get yourself a pair of blue-blocker sunglasses. Why blue-blockers?
Because it’s been shown that blue light, the kind emitted from electronics, can disturb your circadian rhythm by shutting down the release of melatonin.
You need to cut out the blue light to get that rush of melatonin which acts as a sleep aid of sorts. It’s also a signal for your body to start the overnight healing process.
Getting Checked Out By A Doctor
Get checked out by a doctor at least once a year. Get extensive blood testing done, and ask for red blood cell testing for vitamins and minerals. Advanced micronutrient testing will tell you whether you’re doing a good job with your diet and getting all of the nutrients you need.
A lipid panel helps you keep tabs on your cholesterol, and a stress test will tell you about your daily cortisol levels and whether you’re too stressed out.
From there, it’s up to you and your doc to make the changes necessary to bring your lab values back into range.
Eating Healthier
This should be a no-brainer but listen people, you need to eat more fruits and veggies! Just put down the chips and soda and walk away!
Honestly, eating healthier doesn’t have to be a drag. There are so many delicious healthy meals like beans and rice, fajitas, and just about anything Mediterranean or Indian. Even meat cooked out on the BBQ can be healthy if it’s smoked low and slow – the natural smoking process infuses meat with polyphenols from the wood.
Of course, it’s OK to “cheat” once in a while, but if you’re doing a good enough job with your meals, you probably won’t want to cheat.
There’s new research out showing that foods like bacon, butter, meat, nuts, and even eggs are healthy for you. So, toss that salad aside and dig into tuberous veggies, a healthy portion of meat, and coat your eggs in butter with a side of bacon. Sound unbelievable? It’s not. It’s science.
Check out The Fashionable Plate for healthy recipe ideas!