Take the Stairs: 9 Simple Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier You
We’ve all heard the excuses: “I don’t have time to work out,” “Eating healthy is too expensive,” or “Meal prep is just too much.” I get it, life’s busy. As someone who works in the medical field, I know how tough it can be to break old habits. But instead of debating those excuses, I want to offer some simple, actionable tips that can help you reach your wellness goals. Life moves fast, and sometimes you need quick, easy ideas to make things better, even in small ways. So, here’s what’s worked for me:
Take the Stairs: This is about choosing the more challenging option when you can. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs. It’s not just about fitness – it’s about building habits that make you better.
Skip the Kitchen Trip: Ever find yourself in the kitchen mindlessly opening the fridge or pantry? We all do it. Next time, stop yourself. Walk to another room, look in the mirror, or do something else to distract you before you snack out of habit.
Don’t Buy It: The easiest way to avoid unhealthy snacks is not to buy them in the first place. Next time you’re at the store, skip the snack aisle and go for the produce or meat section. Out of sight, out of mind.
Use AI to Your Advantage: Tools like ChatGPT are amazing! I love using them to find quick workouts, recipes, and health tips that fit my mood or goals. Crunched for time? Get a quick workout suggestion and try it out.
Use Social media: There’s so much wellness content out there – blogs, influencers, apps. Whatever you're struggling with, chances are there’s someone out there who’s made content just for you. Explore, follow, and find something that clicks.
Find a Buddy: You don’t have to go on this wellness journey alone. Whether it’s a friend or a family member, having a partner can keep you motivated. My fitness journey started with a buddy, and it made all the difference.
Use Your Environment: Fitness doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. You can do air squats with a loaded backpack, dance around your house, or take a brisk walk in your own neighborhood. Get creative!
Walk While You Scroll: We’ve all been guilty of doom-scrolling, right? Why not make it work for you? Get up, walk around, and scroll at the same time. It might sound weird, but it’s an easy way to move without having to put down your device.
Just Start: This is the hardest one, but also the most important. Don’t stress over missing workouts or indulging in junk food – just keep going. Small steps lead to bigger changes, and consistency is key. Don’t expect perfection, just effort.
As we wrap up this week’s post, I just want to remind you that you got this. Life can be tough, but it’s worth the ride. Give yourself some grace—your health is the most important thing you have. You can’t buy a new version of yourself (not yet, anyway), so remember that every little step you take to improve your health will help you live a more fulfilling life.
I’ve shared 9 tips that have been invaluable to me on my wellness journey. I thought about sharing 10, but let’s be real—everyone does 10, right? I won’t be adding a Magic: The Gathering section to this post, as I spent quite a bit of time on this one, but next time, I’d love to dive into Commander table politics.
Take care to anyone reading this, and I truly hope you found something in this post helpful. Feel free to reach out to me through the contact links below. Until next time!