I thought I'd do a post today on how to live healthy and be more happy. I was inspired a bit from Zoella's YouTube video found
here. A lot of people think to be more healthy and happy you have to undergo a drastic change, but that's not the case. You can put into practice some small habits and simple changes that will make you feel a lot better. Here's a list of some things I think will work for you- they did for me. Let me know in the comments what you think!
1. Cut Back on Social Media
I'm not asking you to delete your Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc because I know that's virtually impossible for most people. But..I did deactivate my Twitter and Facebook accounts and have never felt better. I do still have Instagram, Bloglovin and Pinterest, because I love pictures and get inspiration from them. However, I found that for me personally, Twitter and Facebook didn't benefit me as much as my other social media accounts. I think in this case, you can't slowly cut back. You have to delete it all before it's too late!! Just kidding.. but don't wait. Go through each of your social media accounts and decide if you use it on a daily basis, if it helps you connect with other people, etc. If you like it, keep it. If you don't, click that deactivate button.
Another thing I do now in regards to social media is check it less. I used to constantly have my phone in hand, refreshing my Insta feed that would show one new picture every half hour. I realized I was missing out on wherever I was when I was checking for new posts. Now, I check my Instagram once or twice a day and set aside time for Bloglovin and Pinterest. It can be hard to detach, especially in a world where everything is fast-paced and instant. But once you decrease your frequent visits to social media feeds, you will see a difference in yourself.
2. Eat Healthy
This is a kinda obvious change, but people often overlook it. What you eat really affects your mood, how your body feels, etc. Just think back to the last time you ate McDonald's and you know what I mean. Eating healthy should not be a punishment- don't force yourself to eat that spinach if you don't want to! Instead, try to incorporate healthy snacks like
this Laughing Cow cheese (only 35 calories a piece) rather than that bag of potato chips. As you get the hang of snacking better, you can move onto healthier meals as a whole. Try my
summer lunch recipe if you need an idea.
Another tip (that will also save you money) is to eat in more. I know the Chipotle by your house is so tempting, but save it for a once-in-awhile outing. Some restaurants do offer pretty healthy options, but nothing beats cooking your own food. At home, you know exactly what is going into your mouth. The plus side to eating out less is when you do go to a restaurant, it's a special treat. It's a reward!
Eating healthy also involves drinking more water. I suggest buying a water bottle that's easy to fill up and doesn't get hot easily. I try to carry around my water bottle throughout the day so I have no excuse for not drinking it. I also never drink soda so when my friends order that at a restaurant, you can find me saying, "Just water please!". If you need more help, check out
this post from Lauren Conrad on drinking more water.
3.
Read More Books/ Watch More Movies
I should get that printed on a shirt. Seriously, anyone know where I can do that? Anyway, I think it's really important to read and watch movies. You can also watch TV shows but don't binge on them. After I finish Breaking Bad on Netflix (yes I know, I'm very late), I don't plan on starting another show. I'll stick with my Jeopardy, thank you very much. For me, books and movies is something my mom and I are both avid about. I think our shared passion for these things has brought us closer. (Side note: she also has a very cool blog so check it out
here). She's introduced me to books like
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and movies such as
The Darjeeling Limited that I probably wouldn't have read/watched without her suggestion. You probably know someone who loves reading and watching movies, so go talk to them! Ask them what their favorites are and discuss it after. Books and movies are a great way to bond with other people and be inspired.
4. Have a Little More "Me" Time
A great way to live healthy and be more happy is to treat yourself. Every now and then, I indulge in my favorite Double Chocolaty Chip Frappucino from Starbucks. This isn't a regular thing I do (as much as I wish it was). I also like treating myself when I accomplish something big or get a good grade. It's really motivating to reward yourself so be a little selfish!
Also, treating yourself includes a little pampering. Have an at home "spa" day. There's tons of ideas on
Pinterest. For me, I like to relax in a bath with Epsom salt, baking soda and a few drops of lavender oil. I also put a face mask on but I need to find something that works better for my sensitive skin (still researching that!).
5. Don't Be Lazy
My final tip is don't be lazy. Instead of watching that repeat of America's Next Top Model, go for a walk/jog. When I run errands or go shopping, I purposely park a little far from the store to walk a bit more. The other reason I park far is because I don't want to crash/scratch the cars on either side of the tight spots in the front, but I digress.
Try to work out a little more, too. I took a leave of absence from
Blogilates and when I came back, sore is an understatement! It's really important to be active for at least 20 minutes a day. Now in the summer, I like to wake up a little early and do a quick workout. It gets me ready for the day and feeling productive instead of sluggishly rolling out of bed at 10.
I hope these tips help you to feel happy and healthy. I'm always here to answer questions and love hearing your feedback :)
Here's a little more inspiration for your week:
