5 Small Ways I’m Trying To Be Healthier

Paying more attention and putting more effort into being healthy was a big goal for me in 2018, and seven months in I feel like I’ve finally found the perfect balance for me.

For me, being healthy means eating well, moving my body and looking after my mind. Ultimately, I try to eat food that makes me feel good and gives me energy, I try to do a sweaty workout (lovely) twice a week and I do things that keep me in a good headspace.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love chocolate, cookies and Netflix, but I try to balance them out with things that help me be the best version of myself, yano? Being too much of either side (ie being super healthy or super unhealthy) isn’t what will work best for me in the long run, so I’ve tried my best to create a happy medium – and I think I’ve finally found it.

Obviously I’m no expert and I’m just a normal 23-year-old gal, but I thought I’d share the few ways I’ve incorporated being healthier into my day-to-day lifestyle without even really noticing.

1. Drinking a green smoothie

I apologise for being a total cliche, but this is my favourite thing on the list. While I can’t say it gives me a huge burst of energy or has totally improved my skin, drinking a green smoothie most days honestly makes me feel so good.

I feel good knowing I’m giving my body one consistent healthy meal (if you’d call it that) each day, so no matter how the rest of the day goes, I know I’ve done at least one good thing for my mind and body, if that makes sense.

I follow a recipe that Deliciously Ella posted on Instagram and honestly I look forward to drinking it every day! I’ve had quite a few green smoothies in my time, and this is the nicest and easiest recipe I’ve found.

All it involves is throwing ~ 2 handfuls of spinach, 1 frozen banana (which I peel, chop up and freeze every evening to use the next day), 2 tablespoons of oats, 1 tablespoon of almond butter (or peanut would be fine, I’m sure) and 1 cup of oat milk (or any milk, really) ~ into a blender (I use a Nutribullet) and voila, you’re done!

2. Sticking to a ‘move yo body’ routine

I’m not going to call this a ‘workout’ or ‘gym’ routine because that doesn’t apply to everyone. Planning and sticking to a ‘move yo body’ routine, whether it be going for a run once a week, going to the gym four times a week or going on a short walk every day – whatever suits you – has been a game-changer for me.

A few weeks ago I set a goal to go to the gym twice a week and I can’t believe I’ve stuck to it. However, making it something I have to do rather than something I should do has made it much easier because I just do it. I been following workouts from Alice Liveing’s Everyday Fitness book and I love them, if you’re looking for a place to start.

It’s like washing your hair, emptying the dishwasher or calling your parents. Make it part of your routine and stick to it. Once you do, you won’t want to stop and break the chain!

3. Finding healthy snacks I enjoy

We all know that snacking on fruit and veg is better than chowing down a packet of Hob Nobs, but I’d choose a Hob Nob over carrot sticks any day. Unfortunately, however, that’s not the best choice for my body and mind. *sigh*

As someone who likes to snack approximately every two minutes (slight exaggeration), I’ve tried to start making better choices with what I eat. I’ve discovered an extreme love for red pepper hummus and oat cakes, and rice cakes with cream cheese. They might not be the best choices in the world, but they beat chocolate-covered biscuits.

Have a look online, flick through cookbooks and try to find a few quick and healthy snacks that you actually enjoy, rather than feeling like you’re on I’m A Celeb doing a Bushtucker Trial when you’re eating them.

4. Taking time away from my laptop and phone

If I could watch Netflix and scroll Instagram in my sleep, I would. I’m rarely without my phone and amn’t often far from my laptop. While I could easily let 12 hours pass without once being away from technology, I’ve been trying lately to take even a short amount of time away from it all.

Once I get over the initial itch of not having my phone, I usually enjoy it and time flies by. I find myself then doing things I ‘never have time for’ like reading a book, ironing or organising my room.

While this might not seem like a health-related tip, taking time off from technology is so good for your mind, which can be easy to forget sometimes.

5. Spending time outdoors

Being near the sea or greenery instantly makes me at least 30% happier. Truly. Going for a walk along the seafront, through a park or even going for a swim in the sea honestly makes me soul feel full. It’s cheesy, but it really is true.

I suppose because we’re always rushing from A to B we might not always get the time to take in our surroundings, but spending some time outdoors and really appreciating it even once a week is so grounding. There are multiple studies on how spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety and increase happiness – Google it if ya don’t believe me. If they aren’t good enough reasons to put on your trainers and go outside, I don’t know what is.

---

On some days I might only follow one tip, some days I might do them all, and some days I might do none. But that’s life, and that’s fine. Saying that, I try my best to do at least two each day because they’re so beneficial for my mind and body, and they just make me feel good.

Give them a try and let me know in the comments if you’ve any tips, I’d love to hear!