Small inexpensive changes to living a healthier life….

I am always looking for things I can do to improve my health, my state of mind, my wellbeing. But it can be overwhelming some times and expensive. I thought I would share a few things that do not cost a lot, if anything, but can make a huge impact on your overall wellbeing. Remember don’t try to make a lot of changes at one time. Pick one thing to try and once it becomes a habit then you can pick something else to try!

Take a 2-5 minute cold shower every day. I know this may sound horrible but it’s not as bad as it sounds once you do it. There are so many health benefits to taking a cold shower and it’s free! Some of the benefits are strengthens your immune system, help relieves symptoms of depression, reduces inflammation, increases blood flow, they can even help you lose weight.

I like to start my shower cold, I use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker and play a song or a meditation while it is cold for about 3 mins and then I turn the water back to my normal warm shower temperature. This is the speaker I bought it helps make the time go by faster! https://a.co/d/2Gwa3Mi

Start dry brushing. This one does involve purchasing a dry brush but you can get them for about $10. Dry brushing is exactly what it sounds like you use a brush on your dry skin always brushing towards your heart. Some of the benefits are stimulating the lymphatic system, increasing circulation, helping your body get rid of toxins, and exfoliating the skin. Some studies show it reduces cellulite as well. This can be done every day, preferably before you get in the shower so you can wash off your dead skin cells in the shower.

This is the one I use but there are lots of options. https://a.co/d/bh4oAuB

Drink Green Tea every day. Drinking just one cup of green tea a day has its benefits but drinking 3 cups has even more benefits! Green tea is considered a superfood, it’s loaded with antioxidants which can protect you against heart disease and some cancers, lower risk of bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure, improve brain function and protect our brain as age.   It can help prevent and manage Type 2 Diabetes as well.   There are so many benefits to drinking green tea every day!

This is the type I order https://a.co/d/ggqYgvL

Spend time alone in silence. We live in a very busy, go, go, go world. It is very rare that we just sit never mind sit alone in silence. We always have our phones on us or our to-do list running through our head. Give yourself permission every day to just sit in silence for 5 to 10 minute. It’s amazing how refreshing it is. It gives your brain time to relax and relieve tension.

Drink more water. I don’t think most people understand how important it is to be hydrated and that even if you think you are drinking enough water you probably aren’t. For reference, I have been drinking at least a gallon (128oz) of water a day for about 4 years now. That is what I would tell everyone to drink if they asked me, if you currently don’t drink anywhere close to that slowing increase your daily intake. And yes, you will have to use the bathroom more often that is just part of it. But know you are flushing out the toxins in your body so that is a good thing! Some other benefits to staying hydrated are improved kidney health, healthier skin, improved mood, increased energy, boosts immune system, prevents headaches, helps with constipation and so much more.

09Spend more time in nature. This one sound easy but it does require finding time. You can sit, hike, run, or walk, the whole point is to just be in nature. Believe it or not there are lots of benefits to just being in nature, it reduces stress, can actually lower your blood pressure, raise your vitamin D levels. Spending time outside can actually improve your concentration and creative thinking. It helps you relax more and sleep better. Try to set aside time a few times a week if not daily to be outside in nature.

I hope this was helpful but remember don’t try to do it all, that will literally stress you out. Pick one thing that you think you can stick with for the next 30-60 days, then once you have created that healthy habit start a new one!