The effects of unhealthy lifestyles often take years to see. Whether it’s alcohol addiction that leads to liver failure or unhealthy eating that leads to heart disease, there are plenty of ways to turn it around. Just making one small change today can impact you in big ways in the future. Here are some ways to incorporate healthy choices into your life starting today so that you can see big transformations in the future.
Get Help for Addiction
If you are struggling with addiction, it is important that you get help. There are many people who can help you work through your addiction and find healthier ways of coping with stress. Military men and women can sometimes struggle with addiction because of traumatic experiences as well. It’s okay to seek out help to overcome drug or alcohol addiction even if you’re a former military service member and consider yourself strong. There are programs specifically designed for veterans, such as this local SparkToRecovery residential treatment program in Los Angeles.
Talk to your doctor about what kind of support is available locally. You may find that there are programs or groups in your area that can provide support for those who struggle with the same issues as yourself. You can also talk to a friend or family member who will listen without judgment, and give honest advice when asked for it.
Start a New Habit
Start small. You don’t have to start with an enormous new habit or even a challenging one. In fact, it’s better if it isn’t too hard at first. Just pick something that you’ll enjoy doing and that will fit into your life easily. The new habit can be eating an apple in the afternoon instead of a candy bar. It can be taking a walk in the afternoon instead of plopping down in front of the television after work. It can be giving yourself time each day to work on a hobby. A new habit takes about a month to solidify. So why not get started today?
Help Someone Else
Helping others is a great way to take your mind off of your own problems. When you help someone else, it will make you feel good about yourself, and you may find that the people you’re helping will be grateful and want to help you in return. Helping others also creates a sense of gratitude for what you already have, and that there are others who may be in less fortunate situations than you.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things for our health. It’s when your body repairs itself, which is why people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to develop chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. And it’s not just physical health that suffers when you don’t get enough sleep: poor sleep habits can lead to depression and anxiety disorders as well as other mental health problems like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
You should think about getting at least seven hours of sleep every night—ideally eight hours if that’s possible—and taking regular naps during the day if you feel tired or stressed out. You’ll be less likely to overeat because you won’t need food as much; your chances of developing type 2 diabetes will go down; your risk of obesity will decrease; your mood will improve; and so on. Start tonight by turning off technology an hour before bed, sleeping in a dark room, and making sure it’s cool enough to get a good night’s rest.
Eat More Nutritious Foods
Instead of getting takeout, find a recipe for a home-cooked meal that’s nutritious. Something with protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruit will help you create new habits today. With the right recipes, you can transform your health and help you lose weight if desired. Starting today, add more fresh fruits and veggies to your meals. Starting today, trade your soda for some water. Imagine where you will be in the next few months if you make these changes now.
Cut Out Negativity
Sometimes, the healthy choices you need to make are for your emotional health, not just your physical health. It’s important to remember that if you want to live a healthy life and be the best version of yourself, you need to surround yourself with positive people. While it’s okay to stay in touch with family members or friends who aren’t exactly supportive, they shouldn’t be a mainstay in your life. If they constantly put you down and make negative comments about your actions or appearance, try limiting the time you spend around them. This can also be helpful for limiting exposure to toxic people on social media sites as well.
