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Zealous Mom

Parenting & Life

Want to change your life? It only takes ten. #Just10 #WMT #Ad

Are you living the life you dreamed? If not, it could be because your health and mental capacity are not allowing you to do so. While living a fulfilling life takes some effort, what often hinders us is our lack of physical and mental wellness. But did you know that 10 simple tips can lead you in a healthier, more productive direction? And did you also know that becoming healthier only takes ten minutes a day?

Change Your Life in Ten and With Ten #Just10 #WMT #Ad @zealousmom.com

The opportunity to write about topics I love is one reason I enjoy having a blog. I often write about health and wellness because for me, it’s everything. If I don’t feel well mentally and physically, my productivity and happiness plummet. Below, I offer you 10 tips to a healthier, happier life and a number of healthy actions that can happen in 10 minutes or less.

10 Tips to a Healthier, Happier You

1. Eat protein for breakfast: This is an easy way to start your day off right. When you eat protein in the morning, you fill more full and ultimately eat less the rest of the day. This doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter and Greek yogurt are all choices that take very little time. Remember the old adage: Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.

2. Drink a ton of water and limit all other beverages: Think about it. What other beverage is as good for you as water? None. So water needs to be numero uno on your daily beverage list. While it’s okay to drink coffee, tea and other drinks in moderation, water needs to make up the bulk of your liquid intake. It helps maintain weight, aids in digestion and supports mental clarity. So refrain from buying those sodas and juices and stick with good ol’ water.

3. Embrace a whole foods philosophy: When you begin choosing your foods with a whole foods mentality, great things start happening. What are whole foods you may ask? Here’s one definition: “Whole foods are foods that have been processed or refined as little as possible and are free from additives or other artificial substances.” Limit eating foods that come in bags and packages. That’s a telltale sign that it’s probably not a whole foods choice.

4. Take the right vitamins: Many folks pop a daily multi-vitamin, but there are other, possibly more important, vitamins that you should be taking. I’ve had several professionals tell me that a probiotic is perhaps the most important vitamin a person can take. In fact, your gut is directly connected to your brain. Researcher and author Dr. David Perlmutter said,

“We’re now recognizing from research at our most well-respected institutions from around the globe that the gut bacteria are wielding this very powerful sword of Damocles,” he says.

They determine whether we’re going to have a healthy brain or not, whether our brain is going to function well or not, and whether our brain is going to become diseased or not. Who knew that we’d be referring back to the gut?”

Crazy, right? Also, you may need an additional vitamin D supplement if your levels are low. Lastly, if you are taking a multi-vitamin, make sure it’s a reputable brand. ‘You get what you pay for’ is definitely true when it comes to the effectiveness of vitamins.

5. Nurture your spirituality: When I offer this tip, I’m not talking about going to church every week or going through other motions that have no real impact on your life. I’m talking about a true connection and relationship with a higher being, with something outside the realms of this earth. I know how this has impacted my life, and it could impact yours as well. To achieve this, it takes patience, meditation and quiet time, so ensure  you work these important factors into your life.

6. Make time for family and friends: To feel your best, you must make time for family and friends. Believe me, I know how hard it is to shut off work and truly engage with those you love, but when I do it, it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world. True family time is the most important and special thing in my life. Further, I couldn’t function in my world without my girlfriends. A study conducted at Brigham Young University discovered that loneliness and social isolation can shorten your life and that the risk is actually higher than that posed from obesity. Moreover, the effect was stronger for individuals under 65. There you go! Not only is socializing fun, it actually improves our health.

7. Create an exercise regimen that works for you: It’s no secret that exercise is extremely important, but many people think it needs to take up an inordinate amount of time. I’ve been consistently working out and running for two years and have found ways to work physical activity into my life without interrupting everything else too badly. It’s done wonders for me. Not only is my body more in shape than it’s ever been, but exercise is a miracle drug for my mood, and I’ve made some amazing fitness buddies along the way. The key is to find a regimen that works for you, even if it’s only three days a week.

8. Utilize essential oils and limit OTC/pharmaceutical meds: Don’t get me wrong, if I have a migraine or if one of my boys has severe strep throat, we’ll use a little Advil but in general, I try to limit the amount of OTC and pharmaceutical drugs that enter our bodies. Common sense tells me that if it’s not made from the earth, it’s probably not 100% good for us. I’m a big essential oil user. If you’ve never tried them, I would suggest it. Even if you just start out with Lemon, Lavender and Eucalyptus, three oils that have a multitude of uses, that’s a step. But beware, once you start, it’s virtually impossible to go back. But that’s a wonderful thing! Essential oils are made from botanicals so they work in synchrony with our bodies and while your initial purchase may seem expensive, you will save money in the long run on doctors’ appointments and medications.

9.  Take on hobbies: Remember when we were young and had so many hobbies? I think of my own childhood and teen years. I loved to snowboard, read, make beaded jewelry, hang out at coffee shops, write in  journals. My adult hobbies are working out, running, blogging and reading. I do the first three often enough, but I definitely don’t read as much as I once did and I miss it. What were/are your hobbies? Shopping, swimming, fishing, knitting, skiing, surfing? If you still make time for leisure activities that you love, good for you! Enjoyable hobbies are so wonderful for a person’s psyche and mood. Hobbies also offer great opportunities to introduce your children to new activities.

10. Slow Down: I heard a wise main say recently that busy-ness is often the enemy of joyfulness. When we pack our life so full of activity that we’re rushing around from one thing to another, we don’t truly enjoy and absorb the small moments. When our mind is full of worry and planning, how can we reflect and be thoughtful in our words and actions? We simply can’t. Slow down, friends. Perhaps eliminate one activity that is bringing nothing to your life and spend that time doing something you truly, truly enjoy.

Change Your Life in Ten and With Ten #Just10 #WMT #Ad @zealousmom.com

I’m also writing today to tell  you about an amazing health fair happening this Saturday, October 10, at Walmart. Yes, ol’ Walmart has gone healthy. Woot! The event is called America’s Biggest Health Fair and is happening at Walmart stores nationwide.  At this event,  you an learn about prevention of illnesses, immunizations and other important health-related topics. You will also receive free product samples. Further, Walmart has a number of healthy options these days, from an entire gluten-free section to local produce. If you visit the Health Fair and snap photos for social media, be sure to tag them with #Just10 and #WMT.

Lastly, today I want to let you know that being healthy does not have to take an inordinate amount of time. In fact, you can begin your health journey in less than ten minutes a day. Below I have listed a number of ways to boost your health and wellness that take no time at all!

Health in Ten Minutes or Less

  • boil five eggs to eat each morning during the week
  • do ten minutes of interval training (20 mountain climbers, 10 push-ups, 20 high knees, 20 leg lowers. Repeat.)
  • drink water
  • take vitamins
  • go on a family walk
  • call a friend
  • sit down and read
  • pray
  • diffuse essential oils
  • rub essential oils on the insides of your wrists
  • get a chair massage
  • read a book to your child
  • run 1/2 a mile
  • make a smoothie
  • steam broccoli
  • do deep breathing exercises
  • mediate each morning
  • eliminate negativity or unnecessary activities from your life
  • try a new hobby
  • enjoy a sunset or sunrise
  • eat dark chocolate instead of cake
  • listen to music
  • laugh

These are just a few. Can you think of others? There are so many ways to be healthy in ten minutes or less, so you really have no excuse. You can do this! I’m a huge health nut and love to share tips and advice with my readers. It’s sort of like the oxygen max analogy. If I don’t take care of myself first, how in the world can I be the best mom and wife I can be? I simply cannot. I always love to hear from you all when it comes to health and wellness. What are your tips to maintain health and in what ways do you stay healthy in ten minutes or less?

 

Acorn Disclosure

This is a sponsored campaign. All opinions are 100% my own. #Just10 #WMT #Ad

 

 

 

 

October 7, 2015 5:58 am susannabarbee Filed Under: Feel Good Stories, Health

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 1

    Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    October 7, 2015 at 6:12 am

    I need t try to slow down more often. I feel like I am always on the go!

  2. 2

    Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    October 7, 2015 at 11:57 am

    These are great tips. Little changes can have a big impact on your health.

    • 3

      susannabarbee says

      October 8, 2015 at 2:50 pm

      Absolutely!

  3. 4

    Betsy Segars says

    October 7, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    I think my biggest problem is SLOWING DOWN! It’s sometimes hard but thanks for the great reminder!

  4. 5

    Pam says

    October 7, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    Slowing down is a big one for me. I get so caught up in the little stuff that I miss the big stuff.

  5. 6

    Catherine S says

    October 7, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    These are great tips. I need to eat more protein for breakfast and drink more water.

  6. 7

    Debra Fazio-Rutt says

    October 7, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    I started doing the water thing earlier this year, and what a difference it has been making. I’ll occasionally have a soda, but it’s water or natural brewed ice tea….I think my biggest one to tackle is slowing down and saying NO!

  7. 8

    Chasing Joy says

    October 7, 2015 at 4:30 pm

    These are good tips. I am working on more water and less of everything else.

  8. 9

    Elisabeth says

    October 7, 2015 at 5:44 pm

    Great tips! I really need to work on #1. Currently, dinner is our biggest meal.

    • 10

      susannabarbee says

      October 8, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      Yes, we Americans seem to have a flipped mentality when it comes to how big our meals should be.

  9. 11

    Liz Mays says

    October 7, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    These are really good ideas. I know I need to start actively thinking about my health more often.

  10. 12

    Debbie Denny says

    October 7, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    These are great tips. A few good choices canhave a great impact.

  11. 13

    Toni | BoulderLocavore says

    October 7, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    This is so inspiring! I think doing small things that add up to big results is the way to go. Everyone seems so busy and overwhelmed taking on huge change isn’t always successful

  12. 14

    Pam says

    October 7, 2015 at 10:26 pm

    These really are great tips. I think the protein for breakfast is so important. It sets the tone for the day. I am interested in the health fair at Walmart this weekend. I will have to check it out.

  13. 15

    cinny says

    October 7, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    Water and drinking enough is a huge part of what I’m trying to do. Breakfast is also super important and I admit I sometimes skip it!

  14. 16

    tracey says

    October 8, 2015 at 10:44 am

    I really love this post. I need to start being more serious about taking my vitamins and I also want to get into essential oils.

    • 17

      susannabarbee says

      October 8, 2015 at 2:48 pm

      Good luck! Contact me if you have any questions about essential oils. There’s so much info there out there, it’s sometimes hard to weed through it all.

  15. 18

    Jeanine says

    October 8, 2015 at 11:48 am

    Great tips! Who doesn’t want to live a happier, healthier and fuller life? I will have to take your tips and put them to good use!

  16. 19

    Crystal says

    October 8, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Protein in the morning is huge for me. I start out my day right and I’m much more likely to continue to make good choices.

  17. 20

    Christie says

    October 8, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    Wow, that’s a bunch of great suggestions I can include in my daily life. Thanks for the reminder that little changes make a big difference

    • 21

      susannabarbee says

      October 8, 2015 at 2:47 pm

      You are welcome! Good luck!

  18. 22

    Ann Bacciaglia says

    October 8, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    These are great tips for a healthier life. I have been drinking a lot more water since i kicked my diet pop addiction. I will have to try to eat more protein for breakfast.

  19. 23

    Rosey says

    October 8, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    Slowing down would be good. I’m always go, go, go and getting nowhere!

  20. 24

    Tracy Robertson says

    October 9, 2015 at 5:02 am

    I’ve been running around so much! It’s hard to keep up with all of my duties of having 2 jobs and it gets frustrating! Great tips, a couple I would add is make sleep a priority, and when ever you find yourself outside at night, take a few minutes and just gaze at the pretty stars.

  21. 25

    Kim Henrichs says

    October 11, 2015 at 11:44 am

    I think it’s important, especially with a desk job, to get up and go get a good walk. Even if it’s down to the parking lot and back.

  22. 26

    CandyO says

    October 12, 2015 at 10:39 pm

    Fabulous post Susanna! These are awesome options. I hate we didn’t get to actually meet at Type A.

    • 27

      susannabarbee says

      October 13, 2015 at 10:35 am

      I know! I kept thinking the same thing. Several times, I saw you way across the ballroom, but we never could catch up. Hope you had an amazing time, and we’ll definitely have to meet in person at the next conference. 🙂

  23. 28

    amushro says

    October 15, 2015 at 10:58 am

    These are all good tips! All of them! Especially making time for friends and family!

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Hi there! I’m Susanna, mom to two boys, writer, dreamer, wanderer. I love kid laughter, strong coffee, traveling and putting thoughts into words. Thanks for stopping by Zealous Mom.

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