Do you often find yourself with little time to do all that you wish you could get to? Does engaging in healthy activities often get replaced with things to help you unwind and chill? We hear you. Instead of grabbing that carrot stick, we often pop open a bag of chips. And when we get home from work, a Netflix session seems more in keeping with our mood than a walk outdoors.
There is no replacement for doing the work to incorporate healthier habits into our day. But you may be surprised by some of the things on this list that are both healthy and guaranteed to help you unwind.
- Walk it off.
The pounds, the negativity, the muddled thoughts… If you have an issue on your mind that you need to work through… If some family or workplace drama has you feeling stressed… Take it outside. Walking has long been heralded as a great stress reliever. Psychologists have studied exactly how long you need to walk to feel the mood-enhancing benefits. In only 12 minutes, you could be feeling better, according to researchers at Iowa State University. Of course, once you have your shoes on and you’re out the door, you might as well take that time to get in your daily recommended amount of physical activity. Listen to an audio book. Breathe deeply. Or just use the time to think about nothing (aka meditate). You’ll come home with your head cleared, stress relieved, and exercise done.
- Consider the health benefits of cannabis.
Cannabis is available as a great variety of products, from edibles and vapes to rosin and flower, as can be seen on wccannabis and other sites like it. While cannabis is often smoked for the “high” that it induces, research on its health benefits are astounding. From slowing the progression of Parkinson’s to reducing the feelings of agitation brought on by dementia. Recently, it is also being studied for its anti-cancer potential. Cannabis is being heralded by many in the scientific community as a possible miracle cure for many ailments. Naturally, cannabis is sought for its relaxation purposes. But Portland dispensaries and others across the US are seeing interest in cannabis for its health benefits, too.
- Think your way to a happier day and a healthier life.
In early 2017, the New York Times published an article that discussed the effect happy thoughts have on one’s physiology. The summary of the studies mentioned in the article? The tenor of your thoughts can influence your body’s immune system. Wondering where to start to begin gaining benefits from just what you think about? Try creating a morning gratitude practice where you list 5 things you are thankful for. Putting this activity at the start of your day will help you feel better about the day ahead and make sure that it doesn’t get pushed aside by other things.
- Hang out with your healthy friends.
Do you have friends you admire for the healthy choices they make in life? Hanging out with people who have good habits is a widely known way to influence your own behavior. When you spend time with someone who regularly goes to the gym and makes healthy diet choices, you will naturally drift in that direction. Think about the people in your life whose healthy habits you admire and make a conscious effort to invite them over and spend more time with them. This could be one of the easiest ways for you to establish those habits that you want.
- Get in that catnap.
Most of us are sleep deprived. In fact, the CDC states that 1 out of every 3 adults is sleep deprived. Not getting enough sleep at night can cause memory problems, moodiness, and impaired brain activity. Other ill effects include a weakened immune system, higher blood pressure, and a higher risk of accidents. So if you are feeling out of it when you get home from work, go ahead and have that catnap. Or better yet, go to sleep early tonight. There are few things better than waking up feeling completely refreshed and recharged.
