7 Quick Actions You Can Do Today to Become Healthier & Happier

Have you tried becoming healthier without luck?

Have you tried eating better, exercising more, or even thinking more positively?

If you haven’t made any progress, don’t worry, you haven’t been doing anything wrong.

The problem is often that you’re trying to do too much. You see, our minds and bodies like to stay the way they are. They resist change.

That’s why change happens in tiny steps. Not always, but most of the time.

And when you tap into the power of tiny steps, you realize that you can become healthier and happier, and it doesn’t have to be a struggle.

1. Tiny Steps

If you take nothing else from this article, then let it be what you’re about to read in this section.

If you want to become happier and healthier, focus on taking tiny steps. Don’t be so harsh on yourself. You don’t have to overhaul your health overnight.

Taking tiny steps could mean going from not exercising at all to walking around the block. And each subsequent week, you walk a little longer and a little farther.

You see, tiny steps feel more doable. The problem is that it doesn’t feel like anything is happening, but that’s the whole point.

When you make tiny changes, you allow your brain to integrate them into your everyday life.

2. Load Up on Nutrients

Your body can’t run without the proper fuel. And the fuel your runs on are nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and other substances.

These healthy nutrients are found in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.

The problem is that it can often seem like an ordeal to start eating new foods. But when you remember to take tiny steps, it becomes much easier.

Instead of changing your whole diet, start by finding one healthy food that’s easy to prepare. It could even be a piece of fruit.

For example, if you like bananas, eat one banana per day. After a week, add another fruit, or learn a new healthy recipe. Just keep taking those steps, because they will add up in the long-term.

3. Live in the Now

Another way to increase both your health and happiness is to center yourself in the present moment.

It’ll relieve stress, anxiety, and fear, which in turn will have a positive impact on your body, because the better you feel, the happier your body will be.

So how do you live in the now? There’s nothing magical to it. Whenever you notice yourself thinking about past or future, bring yourself back to the here and now.

A simple way to do this is to become aware of your breathing. Notice it going in and out. You can also become aware of your body.

Noticing your body is great when you’re doing things, such as washing the dishes, walking the dog, or even walking the dog. All you have to do is notice what your body feels like.

If you’re washing the dishes, notice the water flowing over your hands, and your muscles working. It doesn’t have to be harder than that.

4. Follow Your Passion

If you want to be happier, find what makes you come alive, and follow it.

You don’t have to quit your job. You don’t have to overhaul your life. You don’t have to do anything grandiose.

You just have to find what makes your heart sing and do more of it. Again, think about your tiny next step instead of where it may lead.

If you’ve always wanted to start drawing, then start. See if there’s a class near you and explore it.

You’re interested in certain things for a reason. Go after them, explore them, and enjoy life.

5. See the Truth

Imagine that you’re on your deathbed, and you look back on your life.

What would you remember? Would you remember how much time you worked, how many cars you had, or how much money was in your bank account?

Or would you remember the times you helped a loved one, cared for someone, or followed your heart and lived your life to the fullest?

It’s easy to get stuck in living life that we forget that what we truly cherish are things that money cannot buy.

When you focus on the things that matter, you’ll be happier, and your health will improve, because your mind affects your body.

6. Joyful Movement

You’ve probably read about the benefits of various ways of exercise. You’ve heard about kettlebells, Zumba, weight lifting, hiking, and everything in between.

This may make you think that you have to do all of these, or some of them, even if you don’t like them.

Instead, I propose you find a way to exercise that brings you joy. If it’s simply taking a walk while listening to a podcast you like, then that’s fine.

I personally enjoy weight lifting. I don’t like running, hiking, or dancing. I like going to the gym, so that’s what I do. What’s important is that you move your body in some way, in any way.

Don’t force yourself to do something you don’t want to do, because it won’t hold up in the long-term.

Find what you enjoy doing and do that. Forget about everything else, and start moving.

7. Relax

Last, but not least, relax about life and health.

What if you stopped trying so hard? You can become happier and healthier without so much effort.

It can happen in tiny steps. Let yourself take breaks and enjoy life. Enjoy the people around you. Watch a movie. Take a break and relax.

You’re here to live life. There are many things you want to achieve and be, but let those come to you at their own time.

You’ll be happier for it, and your body will thank you.

A guest post from Henri K.J. of Happy Healthy Relaxed

Henri K.J. is the founder of the website Happy Healthy Relaxed, where he writes about topics such as why you should eat better and how you can become healthier. You can find him at http://www.happyhealthyrelaxed.com