We’ve all heard the saying, “A body in motion stays in motion.” In talking about overall health and wellness, there is not a truer statement. Regardless of your current fitness level or specific illnesses or ailments you are facing, finding ways to move your body brings immediate and lasting benefit to your overall sense of mental, emotional and physical wellness. Try these simple things to improve your health today.
Stretching Before You Get Out of Bed
Many people say they can’t find time to exercise. Finding small moments in the day to insert exercise can help set the day for more activity. When you wake each morning, try the following stretches to get your body moving before you even begin your day.
- Knee Hugs Stretches: Lying on your back, bring right knee up into your chest and gently hug, rolling side to side. Repeat with the left side. Hug both knees into your chest as a gentle stretch to the spine.
- Overhead Stretch: Lying on your back, extend your arms overhead and elongate your body. Focus on extending the stretch from the tips of your fingers, through the soles of your feet.
- Shoulder Stretches: Extend your right arm across your chest and pull gently on your right shoulder with your left hand. Repeat with the left arm. Extend arms straight out from your body, and roll your shoulders back.
Food Choices
Double your intake of fruits and vegetables for one meal choice. If you are struggling with a proper diet, make the choice to eat more fruits and vegetables in one of your meals. Specifically, if you know you will be eating a fast food meal or cheating at some point in your day, knowing you have eaten healthier foods can lessen your desire to binge on those less nutritious food choices. Providing your body with essential vitamins and nutrients often helps alleviate cravings, and gives your body the fuel it needs to carry you through the day.
Walk as Much as You Can
Look for opportunities to walk as much and as often as you can. If you work in an office, find five minutes to walk around. Park further away from the door of your destination. As you are walking, focus on your posture, your gait and simply enjoying the feeling of your body moving through space.
Closing Thoughts from Dr. Tali
We all get caught in the day to day monotony of living and forget to rejoice in life. Finding ways to improve our overall health and wellness adds to a feeling of gratitude for simply being alive. You are the only person who can make your health a top priority. Do these simple things to honor yourself each day.