5 Simple Ways You Can Improve Your Health

We all have those moments of inspiration when we decide it’s to time to get fit, get healthy, stop drinking, run a marathon or reduce stress.

While these are all fantastic aims to have you don’t always have to aim big to change your lifestyle for the better. There are countless smaller steps you can take that will improve your health and overall well-being. As these little steps are much easier to build into your daily life than a major goal, you are far more likely to stick with them long term.

We’ve compiled a list of five simple ways you can improve your health and quality of life. For more tips, please get in touch with our specialist team of personal trainers who will be happy to share their knowledge.

Use the Stairs

Next time you have a choice between using the stairs or taking the lift head to the stairs. Using stairs helps work muscles in the lower body, gets the blood pumping and exercises the lungs. We’re not suggesting you have to bound the stairs two flights at a time. However, if you can adopt a reasonably brisk pace, you’ll soon feel the benefits.

Eat One Extra Portion of Fruit or Veg Per Day

Most people, especially those with busy lives, will admit they probably don’t eat enough fruit and veg. Fruit and Veg taste great, is generally pretty cheap and provides your body with all sorts of good stuff like vitamins, minerals and fibre. Try adding at least one extra portion of fruit or veg into your daily diet. If in the same process you can replace one unhealthy snack then it’s a double win!

Take a 10 Minute Walk

Walking is one of the best and easiest forms of exercise you can do. It’s also free, and almost anyone can do it. Walking is good for the heart; it can help reduce stress; it can help build stronger bones and also tone and strengthen muscles. What’s more, if your walking outside you’ll be soaking up Vitamin D which also lots of additional health benefits.

If you can, we suggest a brisk walk for 10 minutes a day, by brisk, we mean fast enough to get the heart pumping and your breathing a little deeper. If you’re not ready for 10 minutes at a brisk pace, you can build up by doing shorter distances or walking for less time.

Relax and Beathe

The world is a stressful, hectic and often draining place. It’s very easy to keep pushing yourself more and more, which increases stress levels, and ultimately makes you less productive. Pencil in 10 minutes a day (more if you can) where you spend some time doing something you enjoy, and that you find relaxing. It may be reading a book, walking your dog or doing your favourite hobby. Whatever you choose, immerse yourself in the task and try not to let all the other thoughts of the day distract you.

Another great way to relax is to focus on your breathing. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes and try to take slow deep breaths. By doing this, you help slow your heart rate, and your body will release chemicals that help combat stress.

Get More Sleep

The recommended level of sleep for adults is between 7-9 hours a night. A large proportion of the population don’t get close to this and so sleep deprivation is extremely common. Aiming to get to bed even 15 minutes earlier each night can have positive health benefits. If you also do your breathing exercises (described above) towards the end of the day, you may find you’re more ready to sleep when you do go to bed.

Summary

We’ve only scratched the surface of small ways you can improve your health. If you’d like to know more, or, would like details about personal training sessions, please get in touch.