7 Ways to Be Healthier Right Now





After a very long 14 months of isolation, things are finally starting to open up. Depending on where you live and what you do, you'll have a different level of change. 

But remember this: no matter what your level of active out-of-the-house lifestyle, any change is stressful. This means that prioritizing self-care ... and renewed attention to your health!

Here are 7 health goals you can set for this spring, summer, and beyond: 

1. Commit to Work Boundaries. When the topic of self-care comes up, this is always my first recommendation. Set a time to stop working every day ... and then set a cutoff for looking at your email ... come on, we all do it. While you're at it, schedule time for lunch, breaks throughout the day, and time off on the weekends. When you are fully present 

2 Eat Healthier. This can mean different things for everyone. For some, eat healthier equates to adding a vegetable to your meal ... or eating healthier snacks ... or fewer snacks. Others may want to set a goal to do more cooking and get less prepared foods. Whatever your food-prep habits, there should be something you can do to up the "healthy" on your eating.

5. Find a Workout You Like. You are without a doubt more likely to exercise if you enjoy the exercise you are doing. Now that nearly everything is online these days, you can sample different types of workouts. You can try kickboxing one week, Zumba the next. Or just do some good old-fashioned walking, running, or biking. Set a reasonable workout schedule ... and follow it!

4. Drink More Water. This one always gets me. Hydration is super-important. And I always mean to drink more water, but sometimes get distracted from my water-drinking goals. Set water reminders on your smartwatch, or in your calendar. Or just drink a glass before each meal, and also mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and throughout the day. Figure out what a good water-drinking habit is for you ... and do it!

5. Start Meditating. Take up a Hobby. Or Both. Find a fun, healthy activity for your downtime.

6. Remember to Breathe. Are you stressing out? STOP. Feels better, right? When I get stressed out, I allow myself two minutes to feel it,  then it's back to business as usual. That may not work for everyone, but you know how your body functions, so see what works for you.

7. Get Good Sleep. A good night's sleep sets any day up for success, so stop burning the midnight oil. Turn off the devices while you are winding down at night - the National Sleep Foundation says 30 minutes before you go to sleep. Maybe treat yourself to a new pillow, as a reward for shutting down early. And get some good zzzzs.

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No matter what you do or where you work (from home, office, or hybrid), good health is always in style. Take care of your body ... and your body will take care of you.

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What's your best healthy-living tip? What are your health goals? Please share in the comments.

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Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and founder of the D*E*B METHOD, which is her system for goal-setting simplified. A writer, editor, and project catalyst, Deb works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online support. She is also the author of Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages, founder of Write On Online, Vice President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Women's National Book Association, host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat and #GoalChatLive on Facebook, and a speaker/moderator on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

10 comments:

Terry Whalin said...

Debra,

What a terrific article for every writer. I've been trying to eat healthier and it will be a pattern hopefully for the rest of my life. I'm at my lowest weight in decades--and simply trying not to be like most of the men in my family (big/ read overweight). It is not easy because I love eating breads, candy, doughnuts and all sorts of other things I can't eat--but I'm determined and staying the course.

Terry

Debra Eckerling said...

Good for you, Terry! Best of luck with your health goals!

deborah lyn said...

Debra great health goals. Committing to work boundaries & drinking more water speak the loudest to me. Thanks much

Debra Eckerling said...

You are welcome, Deborah! And thank you!

Karen Cioffi said...

Debra, great tips for all writers. I'm working on the work boundaries, and trying to cut back on bread.

Debra Eckerling said...

Thanks, Karen! Setting boundaries is a big issue for a lot of people! As writers, we tend to work constantly. This is great for following our passion, less so for self-care!

lastpg said...

Hi Debra, great article on remembering to be healthy! I try to follow your points and am really glad you didn't say I would have to give up chocolate! It's a great post, thank you!

Debra Eckerling said...

I would NEVER suggest give up chocolate! We need our treats! Thanks for your comment!

pameladbeverly.com said...

I've been working out in my home and sometimes I go walking. I don't know if I could work out in my gym with a mask on but I'm nervous to go back without people wearing one. But either way, I haven't gained any weight and I'm the original cookie monster. Love making myself some Toll House Cookies!

Learning French and I recently completed and published my latest book.

Debra Eckerling said...

Now I want a cookie. :) Thanks for your comment, Pamela. And congrats on your latest book!

The trick with self-care goals is to figure out what works for you ... and do more of that. Looks like you are doing great!

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