10 Things Should You Do Every Day To Improve Your Life
Let’s be real. Being healthy all the time sounds kinda time-consuming. Your life is busy enough. On the other hand, we all deserve to feel good, amirite? We went to the experts to get simple, actionable, everyday to-dos that will keep you feeling and looking energized, fabulous, and all-around healthier.
1. Get out in nature:
You probably seriously underestimate how important this is. (Actually, there’s research that says you do.) Being in nature reduces stress, makes you more creative, improves your memory and may even make you a better person.
2. Exercise:
We all know how important this is, but few people do it consistently. Other than health benefits too numerous to mention, exercise makes you smarter, happier, improves sleep, increases libido and makes you feel better about your body. A Harvard study that has tracked a group of men for more than 70 years identified it as one of the secrets to a good life.
3.Spend time with friends and family:
Harvard happiness expert Daniel Gilbert identified this as one of the biggest sources of happiness in our lives. Relationships are worth more than you think (approximately an extra $131,232 a year.) Not feeling socially connected can make you stupider and kill you. Loneliness can lead to heart attack, stroke and diabetes. The longest lived people on the planet all place a strong emphasis on social engagement and good relationships are more important to a long life than even exercise. Friends are key to improving your life. Share good news and enthusiatically respond when others share good news with you to improve your relationships. Want to instantly be happier? Do something kind for them.
4.Get enough sleep:
“Sleep is one of the most essential activities of the human body. It's while we sleep that our body is most efficient at recovering and healing itself,” says O’Connor. Brooklyn-based nutritionist Julie Fishkin adds that most adults need at least 7-8 hours in order to stave off depression and keep stress hormones at bay, preventing you from overeating and succumbing to sugar cravings.
5.Refill your water bottle:
Most of us don’t drink enough fluids (and no, wine doesn't count—the alcohol is dehydrating). Water helps your skin look fresh, it flushes your bodies of toxins, helps maintain healthy bowel functions (goodbye bloat, hello flatter belly), and keeps muscles from getting fatigued. If you don't already own one, invest in a cute reusable water bottle you'll want to show off on the way to the water cooler or kitchen.
6.Laugh:
People who use humor to cope with stress have better immune systems, reduced risk of heart attack and stroke, experience less pain during dental work and live longer. Laughter should be like a daily vitamin. Just reminiscing about funny moments can improve your relationship. Humor has many benefits.
7.Wear something you love:
Feeling confident and happy can come from knowing you look good, says Forever Freckled stylist Carrie Greenberg. "Fall in love with your wardrobe again by re-purposing and dust off classic pieces, and consider investing in some great new accessories.” Make it a point to wear something that makes you feel fantastic every single day.
8.Horrible Habits You Need to Stop Right Now:
Do Not Email First Thing in the Morning or Last Thing at Night “The former scrambles your priorities and all your plans for the day and the latter just gives you insomnia,” says Ferriss, who insists “email can wait until 10am” or after you check off at least one substantive to-do list item.
9.Tell the truth:
“Acting with integrity—where all of your words and actions align with your core beliefs—brings peace of mind and a sense of freedom,” says O’Connor. This may seem challenging, but she believes that lying or ignoring your principles could make you sick, both mentally and physically. “Living an integrated life will give you a great sense of personal satisfaction that you are living your best, most honest, most authentic life.”
10.They Complete Goals:
Does your life have purpose and direction? Do you set out to achieve and accomplish things daily? The chances are good that healthy people spend their time working towards something they deem valuable. Completing a major project at work, mowing the grass or winning the Nobel Prize all carry worth. Accomplishing goals allows you to feel like a powerful, successful person. This perceived control over life builds good emotional health.