Introduction:
When you’re struggling with poor health, it can be difficult to see a way back onto a positive path. Thankfully, there are plenty of strategies you can employ to cut off bad habits and create the roadmap for improved physical and mental wellbeing; Anya Willis presents a few for you to consider.
Decluttering
One of the simplest and most effective ways to spark a positive change is to revamp the environment in which we live. Becoming Minimalist points out that decluttering can be easy and even therapeutic with the right methods, such as compartmentalizing tasks, taking photos, and using the ‘four-box method.’ Better still, if you have valuable items you no longer need, these can be sold online for some spare cash. Once you have a living space that is clean and spacious, you’ll want to keep it that way, meaning fewer bad habits and more positive ones.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a complementary health modality used to accompany other health practices and aimed to improve body, mood, and spirituality. The effectiveness of aromatherapy really depends on the individual in question – if you respond to scent, you may find that introducing essential oils into your living space is an effective way to remove lingering negativity and improve your local ambiance. Beginners should try to understand the science behind essential oils and any potential allergies/toxins before partaking.
Exercise
When you’ve been sedentary for a long period of time, getting up and moving isn’t always straightforward. A good practice, then, is to replace negative habits with small physical exercises – this could include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, picking up your food instead of getting it delivered, or simply spending more time in the office. You could also go for walk breaks. If your neighborhood isn’t pedestrian-friendly, look for an area with a high Walk Score of 70 or above to get your daily steps in. During bad weather, you can walk around inside a shopping mall.
Remember, even small exercises count.
Martial Arts
If you have pent-up anger or frustration, one of the healthiest ways to let this out is through martial arts. Combat allows you to physically address your suppressed feelings and exert them (perhaps ironically) without hurting anyone. The Self Defence Expert notes that striking martial arts are particularly good for this, such as Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Karate, or boxing. If you’ve never partaken, ask your local dojo if they offer a trial session, this will allow you to gauge your comfort levels before committing any money.
Diet
Unsurprisingly, diet is amongst the most important influences on mood and general health. It’s important, therefore, to substitute any of your poor eating habits with nutritious ones – that could mean swapping out snacks like chocolate bars and potato chips for nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Contrary to common belief, this can be a delicious transition if you know the right recipes and types of snacks.
Music
There are few pleasures afforded to us more transformative than music. The right genres can uplift us or send us into tears – it’s important, then, to be aware of how your listening habits inform mood and behavior. If your current playlists are exacerbating your personal issues, it might be worth switching things up and trying some new artists.
Summary
The road to better health is not always straightforward, but if you employ the right methods, you’ll soon see results in all areas of your life. A few extra walks, a change in diet, and some new tunes in your headphones are sometimes all you need to see improvements.
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