By Julie Steinbeck
Do you feel stuck in a rut? Does it seem as though life is passing you by and you’re missing out on all the fun?
If so, the reasons why could include an undiagnosed mental disorder or disease leading to chronic discomfort or chemical imbalance. However, more times than not, the culprit is our own lifestyle choices.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t meant to shame anyone into admitting their unhappiness and poor health are entirely their fault. But folks who walk around thinking that’s as good as it gets are in desperate need of a new lease on life. The solution could be as simple as making some changes.
Are you ready to get out and explore the world but feel held back by dissatisfaction and discomfort? If so, talk to your doctor and see if they find an underlying cause. If tests come back negative and they can’t provide an adequate answer, the next step is to start making some significant lifestyle changes on your own.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at six lifestyle changes that can lead to a happier and healthier life:
Reduced alcohol consumption
There’s nothing especially harmful about having a drink now and then. But if you’re relying on alcohol to cope with daily stress and anxiety, it’s a good idea to cut back. While the immediate effects will make you feel worse, things will change after a few days. After a week of sobriety, you will start to feel happier. You’ll also be healthier.
Increased exercise
When was the last time you went for a long walk, rode a bicycle, lifted weights, or played sports? If you can’t remember the last time you exercised – or know it’s been a long time – it’s time to resume physical fitness activities. Anything that gets your heart pumping and blood flowing is better than sitting around all day. However, for maximum benefit, strive for 30-minute sessions of strenuous physical activity at least three times per week. Time and again, studies show that increased fitness not online improves health but mental well-being as well.
Better diet
The saying “You are what you eat” is more than a throwaway piece of popular wisdom. It’s real science; after all, the foods we eat provide the nutrition we need to live. A poor diet often lacks the vitamins and minerals our body craves and overfills us with fat, salt, and sugar. If fast food meals are a daily feature of your diet plan, or you’re not eating enough fruits and vegetables, it’s time to make significant changes to your diet. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of tasty recipes that provide adequate nutrition within an acceptable caloric range.
Improved sex life
We aren’t trying to intrude on what happens in your bedroom. But a dissatisfactory sex life often leads to overall unhappiness. What’s more, studies show that having sex on a regular basis is good for our health and wellness. With this in mind, do what it takes to improve your sex life. Shop for sex toys online, talk to your partner about wants and needs, and see if you can’t find ways to make your love life a little more fun and exciting. Your sex life is none of our business, but there’s nothing wrong with taking the time to make it as enjoyable as possible.
Regular sleep schedule
Sleep is essential for health and wellness. While you might think you’re getting enough sleep, the emphasis should be on quality sleep. The average adult needs seven or more hours of uninterrupted sleep. What’s more, they need to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. While certain work schedules make that difficult if not impossible, those with regular work schedules should stick to equally regular sleep schedules. Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time, and watch your health and happiness improve by leaps and bounds.
Hobbies and interests
Everyone needs a hobby or interest. They’re part of what makes life worth living. For many people, international travel provides the perfect thing to look forward to in life. For others, it’s activities like hiking or playing softball. Maybe it’s building a model train set in your basement? Whatever the activity or interest happens to be, it’s beneficial for your health and happiness so long as it doesn’t involve any significant danger.
It’s not uncommon for folks to find themselves feeling down in the dumps. But nobody should walk around feeling miserable and unhealthy. If an underlying disease or disorder is not to blame, the next step is making efforts to improve your lifestyle. It could be the difference between having a life you enjoy versus one you don’t.
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, health, and travel.
Photo: Pexels, Andrea Piacquadio
