Get Healthier in Just a Few Minutes Each Day
Stress is nothing to mess with. It can cause everything from heart problems to insomnia to unwanted padding at your waistline, thanks to hormones that cause the body to store more fat. If you’re constantly running ragged, it’s time to get healthier.
But, sometimes, you’re just too busy or stressed to eat right or hit the gym. And pampering yourself? Sounds nice, but how are you supposed to do that? Don’t let stress management stress you out! Below are easy ways for you to get healthy in just a few minutes every day. You’ll easily find the time to add these simple life-changers to your regular routine.
Take a Walk
Going for a walk with a friend—whether they have two legs or four—can work wonders for your state of mind. Plus, it burns calories. A 160-pound person walking briskly can burn a little over 300 calories in one hour, according to the Mayo Clinic. (How many calories you burn doing a specific activity depends on your individual characteristics and physical makeup.) Walking is easy, low impact on your joints, and requires no special equipment. Side effects include reduced belly fat and lower risk of heart-related conditions. Who doesn’t want that?
Find Your Om
Meditation can lower your heart rate, reduce stress, and boost immunity, according to the American Heart Association. Many people think they need special training to meditate, but anyone can start at any time. Just sit quietly for a few minutes and focus on your breathing. When thoughts rush in, let them pass and refocus on slow, deep breaths. Guess what: You just meditated!
If you need a little help, try a meditation class or search online for guided meditations. Many people find that when they feel calm, it’s easier to get healthy. You become more mindful of your choices and more accepting of who you really are.
Stretch It Out
Even if you don’t have time for hard-core cardio, a few stretches can benefit your muscles. These are great, especially if you sit for long periods for work. Focus on the large muscles of the body, like your back or legs. One easy stretch that’s great for lower back pain is the pelvic lift. Lie with your back on the floor and your feet flat on the ground. Then slowly lift your buttocks off the floor, until your hips are in line with your knees, and come back to start.
Search online or try a beginner’s yoga class to learn more basic stretching techniques. Combined with the focused breathing you’re learning through meditation, you might find your new calling as a part-time yogi. Remember, people practice for decades without ever attaining perfection, so start where you are and keep going. The practice is the purpose.
Carve Out You Time
Even though exercising feels good, it also feels like a chore when you’re busy, so don’t be so hard on yourself. Take the time each week to do something you want to do. Maybe it’s relaxing in a bubble bath or getting a massage. Read a book or go to your favorite museum. These little staycations make a huge difference in your sense of control and well-being.
Make Bigger Changes
If you want to get healthier quickly, you might need to make bigger changes, too. Sometimes, that change can seem really big but is actually pretty simple. Think of top athletes or celebrities—they aren’t afraid to make bigger changes. Why should you be?
For instance, if you’re struggling to lose fat at your midsection, a new technology like SculpSure® can help. SculpSure is the world’s first FDA-cleared laser treatment for nonsurgical body contouring of the love handles and abdomen. Each session takes just 25 minutes (so it’s not a big time commitment), and you’ll typically see results in six to twelve weeks.
There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first once in a while. With these quick and easy tips for getting healthier, you’ll be happier and more relaxed in no time.