Often it can feel like optimal health and happiness require full-time job hours, lots of restrictions and hundreds of supplements. This leads to the feeling of overwhelm so you just pop the idea of health and happiness to the bottom of the priority list. The thing is, there are so many straightforward, practical ways to boost your health and your happiness. Surprisingly simple strategies that can positively impact your overall well-being, faster than you might think.
Quick and Simple Ways to Improve Your Health and Happiness Now
Take a read of the below list and choose one action step. Yes, just one!
Quick Workouts for the Win
You know that exercise is essential for our health, but it’s time to talk about the fantastic benefits of shorter, efficient workouts, such as this MerryBody 10 Minute Total Body Pilates class.
This class is practical and doesn’t require any complicated gym equipment. Why not hit PLAY right now? If you do, let us know what you think!
Here’s why short bursts of exercise can be a real game-changer:
- Mood Elevator: Exercise encourages the release of neurotransmitters and feel-good hormones, those little chemicals in your body that naturally boost your mood.
- Sharp Mind: Workouts increase blood flow to your brain, which can enhance your focus and stimulate creativity.
- Physical Health Booster: Quick workouts offer significant physical benefits, that’s right, you don’t have to spend hours in the gym to make an impact!
- Habit Creator: Starting with a short workout every day can help establish a routine, creating a sense of accomplishment and consistency.
GOAL: add 10 minutes of daily exercise for the next week.
Embrace Mindfulness
Mindfulness, the act of being fully present in the moment, is an amazing tool for supporting your mental well-being. It helps you truly enjoy life more and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Even a few quiet moments of mindfulness each day can make a real difference.
The magic of mindfulness lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any special equipment or a secluded retreat to practise it. Mindfulness can be cultivated anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re having a meal, walking in the park, or simply breathing, you can integrate mindfulness into your daily activities.
Here are some ways you can cultivate mindfulness:
- Mindful Breathing: This is a simple, yet effective technique. Focus on your breath as it goes in and out. Notice the sensation it creates as it moves through your nose and fills your lungs. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.
- Mindful Eating: Next time you have a meal, try to truly savour it. Notice the colours, textures, and aromas of your food. Chew slowly, appreciating the taste of each bite. You might also notice an improvement in your digestion!
- Mindful Walking: Take a walk, and focus on how your body feels with each step. Notice the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the wind against your skin, the sounds around you.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes each day to sit in a quiet place and focus on your breath, a word, or a phrase. If your mind drifts, gently return your attention to your chosen focus.
GOAL: try one of the above techniques this week!
Nurture Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships bring so much to life and overall health and happiness. They create a sense of belonging, lift your mood and lower stress levels. However, building and nurturing these relationships often require time and effort… and often it gets popped to the bottom of the priority list.
Here are some ways you can foster these meaningful connections in your life:
- Stay Connected: Make a conscious effort to stay in touch with friends and family, even if it’s a quick phone call or a message. These small efforts can significantly strengthen your relationships.
- Quality Time: Nothing can replace the value of face-to-face interactions. Plan outings, family meals, or just hang out together. These shared experiences can create deeper connections.
- Listen (and actually listen): When someone is talking to you, give them your full attention. Active listening shows that you genuinely care about their thoughts and feelings.
- Show Gratitude: Never miss a chance to express gratitude or appreciation for the people in your life. A simple thank you or a compliment can go a long way in making someone feel valued.
- Offer Support: Be there for your loved ones during their challenging times. Offering a shoulder to lean on can strengthen your relationship and provide immense emotional support.
- Respect Boundaries: Healthy relationships involve understanding and respecting each other’s boundaries. It’s essential to maintain a balance between your personal space and your shared space with others.
- Communicate Openly: Be open about your feelings and thoughts. Honest communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster trust.
Remember, nurturing relationships is a two-way street. It involves giving and receiving, understanding, and forgiving.
GOAL: this week, call a friend/family member you’ve been meaning to call.
Here’s a pic of us and our Mum. Relationships are important and are always worth your time and energy!
Nourish Yourself
Being mindful of your eating habits doesn’t mean obsessing over calorie counts or being overly restrictive with your diet. Instead, it’s about taking a balanced, sustainable approach. Aim for a variety of nutrient-rich foods that will nourish your body and keep it functioning at its best. Remember to drink enough water as well – hydration is key for every bodily function. Listen to your body’s needs and enjoy the food you eat. After all, food is not just fuel; it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Here’s how you can nourish yourself mindfully:
- Variety is Key: Aim for a diet rich in a variety of whole foods – fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Each food group offers a unique blend of nutrients, so a diverse diet ensures your body gets a comprehensive mix of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Hydrate: Water plays a crucial role in nearly all of our body’s functions, from digestion to brain function. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. And remember, if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already slightly dehydrated.
- Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s nutritional needs are different. Pay attention to your body’s signals. Are you eating out of hunger, or is it stress or boredom? Eating intuitively means acknowledging your physical hunger and satiety cues, and learning to differentiate them from emotional cues.
- Balanced Approach: Don’t deny yourself the foods you love, eat the pasta, eat the cake, drink the glass of wine! The key is moderation.
GOAL: Cook a new healthy recipe this week.
Sleep Well
A restful night’s sleep is crucial for overall health and happiness. It impacts mood, cognitive abilities, and physical health. Aim for a consistent sleep routine to ensure you’re getting the recommended 7-9 hours each night.
Here’s how you can optimise your sleep:
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establishing a regular sleep schedule where you wake up and go to bed at the same time each day can significantly improve your sleep quality. It helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can lead to more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
- Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment: Your bedroom should be a sanctuary that promotes sleep. Keep it dark, cool, and quiet. You could even use an eye mask, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary.
- Wind Down Rituals: Create a pre-bedtime routine that helps signal your body it’s time to sleep. It could be reading a book, listening to calming music, or practising some gentle Yoga or meditation (here is one of our guided meditations).
- Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. However, try not to do any intense exercise too close to bedtime as it may interfere with your sleep. We’d suggest Yin Yoga if it’s close to bedtime (ahhh bliss).
GOAL: try a 5-10 minute meditation this week. You can try one of our MerryMind Meditations inside our App, start your 7 day trial here.
Now, remember you don’t need to do all of the above right now. Choose one of the suggested goals and tick it off this week. Once you have, let us know! We will be your accountability!
Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla
Ps. You’re amazing!