We all have ups and downs and rolling with the waves of life is what makes us real. Although you might think that I always have inspiration to write, cook or post on social media, there are days where I don’t know what to do, what to post, where to train or what to cook. Remember, a healthy happy lifestyle is all about that balancing act. Balancing healthy nourishing foods and physical activity with a demanding job, family time and other things life throws at us, it’s a matter of making the best of each day as it comes, with the resources available at that time.
Doesn’t it feel great to be on top of everything? To be eating the right foods and getting the right amount of exercise? Although it may sometimes seem hard to fit it all in, the feeling of gratitude, happiness and contentment are priceless. If you want to live a healthy and happy life, you might want to read these 5 rules:
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
It’s so easy to get caught up in the small stuff and sometimes things can really wear you down. Instead of focusing on how bad, annoying or irritating that small thing is, focus on the bigger picture stuff and let go of the small stuff.
Also read: You Are Good Enough: Let Go Of Unrelenting Standards
Get Physically Active
Getting physically active is an instant mood booster. Not only will you do good to your body, it is also great for your mind. Physical activity boosts happy hormones like serotonin which lift your mood and make you feel on top of the world. Go for a nice walk in the neighbourhood or grab your bestie for a gym workout. Get active and see the benefits for yourself!
See also: Here’s How You Can Stay Fit And Healthy In Winter
How To Motivate Yourself When You Don’t Feel Like Working Out
Healthy Holidays: Tips For Staying Fit And Eating Healthy
Nourish Your Body
A healthy lifestyle comes from the inside out so feeding your body nutritious foods is a great rule to a healthy and happy life. Learn which nutrients your body needs and learn to listen to your body so that you can feed it to the right nutrients at the right time.
For example, pre-work out I will ensure that I have enough energy as to avoid catabolism during my workout. Post workout I will ensure that I feed my body with the right amount of protein and carbohydrates to support muscle growth and avoid muscle breakdown.
See also: The Three R’s of Recovery Nutrition: Understanding how to maximise your workouts with food
The Basics of a Healthy Diet + Sample Diet
In hot summer days I am sure that my body has enough electrolytes vitamins and minerals to function optimally. Feed the body what it needs, eat with the seasons and eat for purpose, not for emotions.
Listen To Your Body & Rest
This one I learned the hard way many times over but I have now finally learnt to listen to my body, and to give it a rest when needed. Since adopting a balanced healthy lifestyle which includes strength training, yoga, meditation, mindfulness and intuitive listening to the body, I have experienced greater muscle gains and better recovery times than ever before. I incorporate plenty rest in the form of 15 minute power nap’s, as well as enough sleep during the night to ensure that my body recovers from my workouts.
See also: Homemade Bedtime Tonics For A Peaceful Sleep
Restorative and Relaxing Yoga Sequences You Can Do At Home
Why It Is Sometimes Okay To Skip Your Workout
Practice Gratitude
Often times we get so caught up in life and we are so busy being busy that we forget what we have. Sometimes by going on holidays or by seeing homeless people down the street you all of a sudden realise how much you have and how much you have to be grateful for.
Practising gratitude will not only put things into perspective for you but will also make you realise how much you actually have. Have you ever gone to bed thinking about all the things you would not have in the morning if you did not practice gratitude prior to going to bed?
Try it this exercise: Say at loud the things you are grateful for today, remember the things that you do not say out loud, you will not wake up with tomorrow.
How did that feel? See how much we have?
See also: Free at Home Yoga Workout Routines
Guided Meditation You Can Do at Home
