Jennifer
Author
Health is wealth, right? As the new year approaches, you’re likely looking to overhaul your health for the better. But at Wellness with Eszter, we’re all about the head-to-toe health strategies that prioritize consistency over quickie resolutions (that fade in a few weeks). Below, we share some essential strategies to transform your life.
Focus On Digestive Health
Proper nutrition can make a tremendous difference in how you look and feel. Eating well is an excellent place to start, but we need to get more specific. Focus on improving your gut health instead of following trendy catchphrases such as ‘eating clean’ or ‘being healthy.’ Your digestive system controls the look of your skin, your happiness, and your weight, so it is worth investing in. Increase your veggie intake to get enough good fiber and lots of protein to satisfy your hunger cues. Don’t forget enzyme-rich ingredients such as yogurt and fermented foods! When your stomach is happy, the mind and body follow suit.
Take Care of Your Skin
A regular and consistent skincare routine is critical to staying moisturized and preventing aging. Not to mention, it is a fantastic way to ritualize your self-care and celebrate your mind and body. Glamour Magazine says every skincare routine needs three essential steps: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, so that’s a great place to start. . Don’t forget to wear SPF every single day to boost your efforts! You can also treat your skin every once in a while with a facial, mask, or results-driven treatments like micro-needling or light therapy.
Image from Unsplash
Find a Workout You Love
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression and anxiety while promoting muscle tone and building cardiovascular strength. And the endorphins from working out provide that much-needed energy to power the rest of your day. But if you’ve started a fitness program only to abandon it weeks later, you’re not alone. So many people fail at keeping up with fitness because they’re forcing themselves to do workouts they don’t like. If you hate running – don’t run. Does cardio bore you? Try something else! The key to consistently working out is to find a way of moving that you love. Try a fitness class or explore alternative options like dance workouts, climbing, trampolining, or hula hooping. Ultimately, anything that gets you moving is a win in our books, so just keep at it until you find something you can practice every day.
Schedule in Relaxation
An essential head-to-toe health strategy is making time for relaxation. Everyone needs a break or the occasional R&R – it is vital to boosting your mental health. Rest helps us be the best version of ourselves – whether at work, as a parent, or as a partner. If you’re struggling to find something that helps you relax, make a list of the moments you feel happy and at peace. For some, this could be playing a round of golf, and for others, it could be curling up by the fire and watching a good movie. Whatever your activity of choice, try to enjoy it at least once or twice a week (schedule it into your calendar if need be). Stepping away from the hustle of daily obligations is a transformative move, so really prioritize this one.
Get Your Sleep
Over a third of all Americans deprive themselves of adequate sleep. But you need to be sleeping enough to perform well in all other aspects of your life. Why? Well, when you’re running low on sleep, your body and mind fail to process and recover from the events of the day. So don’t treat sleep like a luxury, but rather as a necessity. Most adults need between 8-10 hours of sleep each night, but if you’re struggling to get going, try a relaxing bedtime routine. Turn your phone off at least an hour before bed, light a candle, and put on cozy lights and cozier pajamas. Perhaps read a book or meditate… you’ll be enjoying those zzz’s in no time.
Cut Out Potential Stress Points
According to the American Psychological Association, one in four Americans is stressed. And when you’re stressed, it carries over to other aspects of your life. You may feel unmotivated, depressed, alienated, and exhausted – perhaps all at once. To live a healthier life, you need to identify stress points and eliminate them. Keep a diary to track your moods and emotions each day to see what’s stressing you out. You may begin to see patterns emerge, such as a stressful relationship, chore, or perhaps even your job. Try to figure out what you can do to make each event less stressful. For example, if your job no longer serves you, consider switching careers. You can pick up the skills needed for your new job by enrolling in an online program, as this will allow you to keep your current job while putting you on the path for your new chapter.
Head-to-toe health is all about the mind-body-soul connection. A healthy brain and fit body is the ticket to overhauling your life and making daily living more enjoyable. Don’t forget to keep at your new habits consistently for life-changing results.
Looking to kickstart your health journey by getting in shape? Eszter is an ACE-certified coach helping individuals overcome a sedentary lifestyle and live their fittest, healthiest lives. Check out her blog or reach out here for more information today.
