More and more people today are seeking out ways to live a more natural, healthy lifestyle, and this is a great thing! According to the National Cancer Institute, “In 2018, an estimated 1,735,350 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 609,640 people will die from the disease.”1With illnesses like cancer on the rise and the cost of health care and health insurance going up, it is critical that we take preventative measures and do what we can to be proactive about our health. For some, thinking of changing to a more natural, organic, or holistic lifestyle seems overwhelming, but making just a few small changes to your lifestyle can have a huge impact on your overall health and wellness. Here are six small and easy things you can do at any age to take the necessary steps to living a more natural and healthy life.
1. Drink more water.
This really is an easy one. At minimum, Mayo Clinic suggests that we should be getting 64 ounces of water a day.2That is just eight glasses. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, and water helps dissolve the minerals in nutrients, making them more accessible to the body. Drinking water helps remove waste products and is essential for the kidneys to function. It regulates the body temperature and boosts healthy skin by delivering oxygen throughout the body. Those are just a few of the many things water does for your body. Imagine what it would do if you swapped water for soda. Imagine how good you might feel if you increased your water intake each day.
2. Choose a workout that works for your schedule.
Exercise fills your body with natural endorphins in addition to benefiting your physical and mental health in many ways. You do not need to put in an hour a day—going out for a short walk is good for your health. Even just opting to take the stairs is better than consistently taking an elevator. Find a time that will work for you so that you do not have an excuse to ditch the workout.
3. Ditch the “Diet” foods
As a culture, we are drawn to “diet” foods—diet soda, diet yogurt, etc. However, “diet” foods can also be known as “chemical” foods. When a company removes the fat from a food to make it “fat free,” something has to be added to give it the flavor they took away. That usually means adding a lot of sugar or a tossing in of chemicals to give it the flavor the fat once did. Instead of searching out low-calorie, chemically altered foods, make a goal to start eating more whole foods. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and proteins. Not all fat and sugar is bad fat and sugar, so make a goal to educate yourself on the difference. When you eliminate these inflammatory, artificial foods, you will begin to feel better right away.
4. Stop eating after 6, 7, or 8 pm.
Unless you work nights or are awake all night, there is no need for you to eat right before bed. Depending on what time you usually go to bed, you should stop eating 2-3 hours before going to bed. Food is fuel, and you simply do not need that fuel while you are laying down sleeping at night. The term “breakfast” should literally mean a break from a fast. Your body undergoes very important functions at night while you “fast” and take a break from eating. If you’re interested in learning more about this, look up what “intermittent fasting” is. You will be surprised at the pounds you shed and how much better you feel by making the small change of not eating 2-3 hours before bed.
5. Throw out the “junk.”
Make time to go through your house and get rid of “junk.” This could mean a variety of things for you. Maybe you want to go through and get rid of the harsh and toxic cleaning supplies you have in your house and instead swap them for essential-oil based, natural cleaners. Actually read the label on your cleaning supplies, and you will be surprised to see some of them contain formaldehyde, toxic chemicals, and some even directly say, “May cause cancer.” Go through your personal cleaning products like shampoos, soaps, and deodorant and get rid of the ones that contain toxic materials. You might be surprised to find out that many deodorants contain aluminum, parabens, and artificial colors. Go through your medicine cabinet and get rid of expired our outdated pills or remedies. If you want a greater challenge, make a resolution to stop “popping pills” as a first resort for pain. Many headaches, for example, are simply because you are dehydrated. Drinking water is an easy fix for that. You can get relief from a stomachache by using peppermint essential oil. Taking Elderberry is an excellent way to boost your immunity or kick a cold faster. There are many natural and easy ways to get relief that don’t come with the side effects of many medications we keep on hand. If nothing else, go through and de-clutter. Think of how much lighter and open your house would feel if you got rid of things you don’t use or need. A great rule of thumb is if you have not used it in the past year or two, ditch it. If you want to live a more natural and healthy lifestyle, get rid of the junk that is preventing you to do so.
References:
1. “Cancer Statistics.” National Cancer Institute. April 27, 2018.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff, “Water: How Much Should you Drink Every Day?” Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle. September 6, 2017.
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