3 Lifestyle Changes for a Happier You

Every individual is different in regards to passions, interests, and goals. However it can easily be said that there is one common thing that all of us on this planet wish to achieve: happiness. In order to be truly happy, you have to maintain your health– both mental and physical. You don’t have to go on a juice cleanse once a month and practice perfect sun salutations every single morning in order to feel good, although yoga is definitely beneficial to the mind and the body. Some of us just don’t have time for that with our busy schedules including school, work, and more. Here are 3 simple lifestyle changes that can help you improve your state of being both inside and out for those of you that wish to live a healthy, happy, and slightly more fulfilling life.

Drink More Water. 

I know, I know. It seems pretty obvious, but many people do not have a sufficient daily intake of water which can lead to dehydration, fatigue, poor concentration, lack of body temperature regulation, muscle cramps, joint aches, infrequent urination, bad breath, sugar cravings, bad skin, and more. Needless to say, drinking a healthy amount of water is an extremely important component of optimal health. We as humans each require different amounts of water daily, so it is best to ask your doctor how many liters you should be drinking per day or do some research yourself using reliable resources. If you’re one of those people that really doesn’t enjoy drinking water due to its lack of flavor, a fun idea would be to add cut up fruits (such as lemons or berries) or a dash or mint leaves to your water to make it tastier. This can also provide you with plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. For the purpose of convenience and sustainability, you can put water in a metal or reusable bottle to carry around throughout the day. 

Exercise. 

Again, I know it seems obvious, but getting a good amount of exercise at least 3 times a week is something that is very overlooked by many those who are preoccupied by their busy lives. Exercise is extremely beneficial to both your mental and physical health. It helps keep you focused, energized, boosts your mood, keeps your metabolism running, combats health conditions, and controls your weight. It’s very important to get at least thirty minutes of exercise thrice a week or more. If you don’t have the time or money for a gym membership, workout classes, home exercise equipment, and all of that good stuff… Worry not! There are plenty of ways to stay fit without any of those things, even if they can be very helpful and a good investment. If you have a smartphone, some cheap apps I recommend that can provide you with easy and equipment-free workouts that cater to your needs are Sworkit, 7 Minute Workout Challenge, and Pumpup. You can even go for a short run outside in the morning or evening and walk your dog every day to get your heartrate up, plus some very needed fresh air. Additionally, try to use the stairs rather than elevators and escalators as often as you can and walk or bike places that are a short distance from you. Stretching daily can also do you wonders. If you spend a lot of time on your phone, set a daily alarm or reminder to notify you that it’s time to get your body up and moving for a little bit . This’ll keep you motivated and alert on a device that you may have a hard time putting down. 

Spend Time With Those You Love. 

Remember that plan that you made to go get coffee with your friend next week? Or how you promised to spend time with your family this weekend instead of staying inside and binge watching netflix all afternoon? Follow through with these kinds of things! Getting out and spending time with the people you love will boost your mood and make both you and the people you surround yourself with feel genuinely good inside. Being around positive company will remind you of the things that truly matter in life and make you realize who will be there for you during times of need. Even spending time with your beloved pets or volunteering with animals at a local shelter will improve your mental health to a certain degree. After all, animals are wonderful companions that need love too. 

Overall, these three very simple and seemingly obvious factors can add an abundance of unexpected positivity to your life, along with an uplifting mindset of course. Stay healthy and happy, my friends. You deserve it.

Jaskrit Bhalla. 

Twitter: @jaskrit_b