Organized A to Z Blog

Six Steps to Happy, Healthy Living

April 30, 2009

Thanks to Organized A to Z partner Diana Fletcher, a stress-reducing expert, for contributing this week’s series – Six Steps to Happy, Healthy Living.

We have been in a “hurry-up” mode for so long that it is difficult for many people to figure out how to slow down. One great way to begin is to look at how you spend your days.  Honestly look at how you spend each minute of everyday.  Often we have developed habits that no longer have any purpose.   Look at your activities and ask yourself, does this activity benefit me anymore?  Does this benefit anyone else?  If you are honest with yourself, you will discover many of these things are unnecessary or could be done by someone else. Eliminating just a few of these unnecessary activities can create extra space in your day.  The purpose of this is not to immediately fill those moments with more work. The purpose is to create space to take care of your health. Once you have eliminated some time wasters, you can use these ideas to empower you on your journey toward healthier, happier living:

1) One of the keys to good health is getting enough sleep. It is possible to make this a priority.  Turn off the television set.  Leave the work.  It can wait. Not getting enough sleep can affect our decision making, our moods, our creative thinking, and even make us weigh more. Studies have shown that lack of sleep decreases regulation of hormones that  control our appetites. Think of times you have felt unusually hungry and craved carbohydrates. Many times this is after a night of too little sleep. Set a reasonable time to go to sleep and stick to it. Your reward will be fresher thinking, fresher skin and more energy.

2) Take the time to drink plenty of water.  This is so simple but so important. Keep hydrated to flush out toxins, have healthier looking skin and boost your metabolic rate.  Often we mistake thirst for hunger, so drinking enough water can help you control the amount you eat.

3) Take a multivitamin.  Along with the water and the right amount of sleep, you will be amazed at the change in your energy levels.

4) Every hour, no matter what you are doing, take a few moments to stand up, stretch and move around.  We were not meant to sit at desks and computers or anywhere else for long periods of time.  Stretch, move, breathe.

5) Everyday show gratitude. Saying thank you is a de-stressor that makes you feel good.  Negative thoughts cause stress.  It is hard to have negative thoughts and thoughts of gratitude in our mind simultaneously.

6) Make time for friends.  Healthy relationships help us stay healthy.  This does not mean you have to accept every invitation that comes this time of year.  Give yourself time to think about your response to the invitation.  Is this something you truly want to do?  Will you be sorry you gave up sleep or time with your family or spouse?  Sometimes, holiday gatherings are not where we truly want to be.  We overindulge in food and drink, then regret the time, calories and lack of sleep the next day.

How you spend the minutes of each day add up to how you spend your life. The way you live your life and the choices you make determine how healthy and strong you will be.  Are you making choices that strengthen you or weaken you? If you are making the choices that are making you happy and healthy, that is fantastic and I say, keep up the good work!  If not, you have the power to choose a different way.  A happy, healthy way.

How do you truly want to live your life?

Filed under: Home Management,Organizing Tips,Professional Organizing,Stress Relief,Time Management