When it comes to improving our health and well-being, everything can feel so overwhelming! We know what the ‘right’ things to do are, but struggle with making the changes consistently. Thankfully, there are some small changes that could make a big difference in our lives.
In this collaborative post, we’ll continue our theme of the week: improving our health with easy, simple steps. If you haven’t already, take a look at my last post, “4 Quick & Easy Ways To Be A Fitter and Healthier You.”
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Very few people feel great all of the time. Our overall health and well-being go through peaks and valleys, even if our mental health is generally quite stable.
At the moment, it is particularly challenging to maintain a sense of well-being with the ongoing Corona-virus pandemic sweeping the world. Our lives have been turned upside down, and with that can come enormous amounts of stress, uncertainty, disruptive schedule changes, and anxiety.
As we work on letting go of what we can’t control, there are some things we can control to improve our day to day lives, and health status.
Small Changes That Could Make A Big Difference In How You Feel
I hope you will take these simple reminders as my way of sending love and well wishes your way. After all, I value each and every one of you. I’d like to see you stick around – as whole, happy, blessed, and fulfilled as you can be!
Make Sleep A Priority
For some reason, we don’t give sleep the importance and recognition that it deserves. Sometimes, when it feels like everything is falling apart, a good night of restful sleep can do wonders.
We sometimes feel like we have many more important things to do than sleep – work, clean, socialize, and so on, but when we are exhausted, we are less productive, so it really is something to make a priority.
Aim for at least eight hours of sleep every night. Put a strict sleep routine into place. Turn off all screens at least an hour before bed, and do not consume caffeine past lunchtime if you are sensitive to it. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
Work with your body’s natural sleep rhythm, when possible, to ensure you are getting the right amount of sleep. We are all individuals. You may feel fantastic with 6 hours of sleep, and for me, I’d be a useless zombie!
Have trouble falling asleep like I do? Consider trying a melatonin supplement such as MidNite. It’s an all-natural supplement that helps reset your sleep schedule. It is my personal go-to sleep aid each and every night.
Tip: Curious what your optimum amount of sleep is? On days when you have nowhere to be, make sure your alarm is turned off. Go to bed at a comfortable hour. Allow your body to naturally awaken. How many hours did you sleep? Do those numbers stay consistent each time you try? If so, you’ve probably found your ideal hours of shut eye!
I am someone who needs roughly 10-12 hours of sleep to feel my best. To protect my health, I’ve had to make some sacrifices in order to get enough rest. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. You’ll find you feel like a completely different person, for the better.
Know Your Nutrients
We all know what we should be eating for good health, as we discussed in the last post. But, it can be difficult to get all the elements of a balanced diet every day. This is especially true when we are pressed for time. We grab unhealthy snacks or eat comfort food to cheer us up.
Try swapping out sweet snacks for a bunch of fresh, colorful fruit and veggies, nutrient-packed nuts, refined wheat for whole grains, and swap carbonated and sugary drinks for water.
Have ‘quick grab’ healthy foods on hand. It’s much easier to maintain our health goals if we have nutritious options for moments when we simply don’t feel like fooling with anything else!
Quick tip: Try homemade kale chips. I take my shredded kale, place it on a baking sheet, and lightly drizzle it with my favorite cooking oil. (What you use is up to you! It’s usually olive oil here) I then sprinkle a little sea salt and some other favorite spices to taste. Bake in the oven on 350* for around 10 to 15 minutes. The kale chips should feel crispy with browned edges. They are delicious and nutritious!
It’s also important to know if you are deficient in any key vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. Blood tests can help you find out what you are in need of. Vitamins and supplements are also available in all forms to give you an extra boost should you need it – check out sites such as caduceusscience.com to see what they have to offer.
Tossing Out The Toxins
When we are feeling low, it’s easy to seek out toxic things to ‘pick us up.’ It could be excessive alcohol, cigarette smoking, drugs, sugary foods, fast food diets, or sedentary lifestyles sat in front of the TV for far too long, just to name a few!
Swapping out our bad habits for healthier ones are definitely small changes that could make a BIG difference. It may be increasing our exercise; it may be picking up the phone and calling a friend when we are tempted to return to old, unhelpful patterns.
For me, it’s taking my burdens, worries, fears and anxieties to the Lord in prayer. When the load feels too heavy – I’m probably carrying something I was never created to carry.
Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you
1 Peter 5:7 (TPT)
What’s the first habit that comes to mind you could easily start changing today? Start there. Every small victory leads to major battles won over time.
What Are Your Thoughts?
In the grand scheme of things, these changes are quite small and relatively easy to put into place. However, the positive impact they can have on your physical health, and your emotional wellbeing can be huge. Try them out and see how you feel.
What small changes have made the biggest difference in your life? Nothing is too small! I want to celebrate with you. Let me hear from you in the comments below!
Stay safe, my friends. You are loved & appreciated! If you’ve enjoyed reading, please share this post with your friends. ♥
All My Best To You & Yours,
Been struggling the most with sleep. I can’t take melatonin because it gives me nightmares. So it’s been difficult. I’m still trying and I’m still praying. ❤️. Thank you so much for the tips!
Oh Kammie, I am so sorry! Few things can make us feel more miserable than not getting either enough or quality sleep. It affects every other area of our lives. 🤗
I’m also sorry to hear you are unable to take melatonin. There are some other options too. Have you tried essential oils for sleep? You can either diffuse them or make a pillow spray. It’s a surprisingly effective way to unwind! I also recommend writing for 30 minutes or so before you’re wanting to go to bed. Have you tried this? If we write out our anger, our worries, our plans, our ‘need to do’s,’ etc, our minds can put it to rest for the moment. I’m curious if you find it hard to sleep because your mind is too active, or if your mind is still but your body doesn’t cooperate?
I’m praying for you, sweet friend. I’m believing with you that the Lord will reveal the perfect solution for you. 🙏🏼 Sending much love your way. I loved hearing from you, thank you!
Thank you so much,! I do have a problem getting my mind to turn off when I wake up in the middle of the night I have a hard time getting back
That’s a very helpful post, especially as I have trouble sleeping. I only developed this problem over the last few years. I think it’s because of stress. I will definitely check if Melatonin supplements are available on Amazon India. Thank you.
Aw sweetie, I am so sorry to hear that you have trouble sleeping! There are so many all natural ways we can help our bodies unwind. Do you find it difficult to sleep because your mind is too active?
Have you tried journaling about 30 minutes or so before you’d like to go to bed? I’ve found that ‘releasing’ our worries, fears, must do lists, etc, on to the paper can get it out of the loop in our heads! It’s so frustrating, needing and wanting sleep, but being unable to. Bless your heart. I am praying the right solution for you can be found! 🤗 Sending all my love your way. You are so very dear to me! ♥
The change I made that has made the biggest difference to me is turning off the TV. I spend more time reading, writing and researching. I believe it has made me a better person. You have very insightful articles. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe.
Hi, inspirechief! It’s great to hear your thoughts! Thank you for your kind words. Wow, they mean so much to me. Encouragement from fellow writers/bloggers really helps us to keep going, doesn’t it?
You must know that when I read your comment, I was very excited! I 100% agree with you about TV! We did the same here by actually canceling our television service. The calm, quiet and relaxing atmosphere in our home since has been wonderful. Just as you said, more time is spent doing activities that add more value to life. I know it isn’t for everyone, but it sounds like for your home and ours, it has been a blessing!
Thank you for adding such value to this post with your thoughtful comment. I sincerely appreciate you. Stay safe and well. I pray you & yours are blessed and fulfilled.
Thank you. I appreciate your words. I agree that the encouragement keeps us going.
This is a brilliant topic for a collab post. I’m a big fan of small, manageable changes, especially as my health has declined. Sometimes we want big changes and to rush them, but all too often it’s setting ourselves up to fail.
“…work on letting go of what we can’t control, there are some things we can control to improve our day to day lives” < absolutely! I post about this myself, to “focus on what we can do, not what we can’t”, but it’s a lesson I struggle to put into practice myself. That control issue is a tricky one but it’s so empowering to look at the things we do have some control over, and the changes we actually can proactively make.
You know, I’ve often wondered about melatonin supplements. Sadly I don’t think they’re easily available in the UK. As far as I’m aware there’s only 1 melatonin product and that requires a GP prescription. If only they could be bought over the counter or online here.
I love fruit so I try to get a little each day and I really do feel better for it, a little refreshed with zing compared to eating biscuits (but I still eat those too!)
Swapping out the negative, damaging habits in our lifestyle, mental health, and diets for those that support our wellbeing and boost our health is such a worthwhile thing to invest our time and energies in. Brilliant post – very encouraging for when we need a little kick start to make those changes! xx
I was shaking my head in agreement with you, Caz. I agree, small manageable changes are much more likely to succeed. I love what you said about big changes setting us up to fail. You’re absolutely right!
One of the many reasons I love your blog so much is because you do focus on those “I still can ___” moments of life. There’s nothing wrong with sharing what you’re going through. People need to know they’re not alone in all of their confusion, and pain. You do that perfectly, in the reassuring and empathetic way only you could.
I do hear you on struggling to put it into practice yourself. You know, it’s funny, I read awhile ago that many writers/bloggers write about the topics they themselves are trying to master in their own lives. I think some topics we already have, and we enjoy sharing that understanding with others. Then, there are those topics that make me agree with the sentiments above! What do you think?
Aw! I am so sorry melatonin isn’t available in the UK without prescription. I hope one day in the near future it might be. It’s not a solution for everyone, as some people have nightmares with it. Have you tried chamomile?
You are so thoughtful and kind, Caz. Your encouragement means more than I can say! 🤗 I hope you are finding some time to relax today, and possibly, even enjoy a biscuit or two! 😉
Sending my love & hugs your way. Thanks again for being so amazing!
Hey Holly – Lovely to catch up a little with you… As always you are spreading kind (and practical) advice. To answer your question, something I made into a habit a long time ago (and it’s really such a little thing) is to drink a pint of warm lemon water before I do anything else. It’s become such a habit that I no longer think about it. It takes no time and little effort! X
Dearest Eilidh! It really is wonderful to hear from you. How have you been?
You’ve got a fantastic idea with the warm lemon water. Do you find that it really does help you feel rejuvenated? I’d always heard it’s fantastic for digestion, detox and immune support! I agree with you too – it’s funny how when we do something long enough, it becomes second nature. I suppose that works for the good and bad habits in our lives!
Thank you for sharing your suggestion with me. I love hearing your thoughts! ♥ Sending my best love your way in hopes you and your family are well.
Lovely post as always , it is a pleasure reading such positive posts! I do agree sleep and nutrients are so important ..The changes I have made recently is limiting my personal whatsapp, fb and other social media time .I do have to use it for my blog but that’s a different set of folks and I really feel good after making this change. Have a great weekend!
Hi, Nisha! You are so precious to me, thank you! Your words of kindness really touch my heart!
It makes my heart so glad to hear that limiting social media outside of blog use, has made such a difference for you. I emphatically agree with you, as it is what I do too. You said it best: “it’s a different set of folks.” Often times, fellow bloggers are an encouragement because we know what each other go through before (and after) hitting that publish button! We need more things to build us up, not tear us down. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing what has worked for you. I value your thoughts! ♥ Have a blessed week my friend.
Thank you so much Holly , your comment made my day :). Yes totally agree with you, fellow bloggers are a big support and as you rightly say “We need more things to build us up, not tear us down.”
Those are great tips, Holly! I agree that sleep is so important and therefore I limited my coffee to mornings only. I ditched the TV and spend more time in nature. And focus now on low car and healthier foods. Have a good weekend.
Hi, Svet! Great to hear from you! I love your tips and agree wholeheartedly with each of them! Ditching the TV to spend more time in nature is incredible, isn’t it? My mental health skyrocketed after I made that little (but huge) change. How about for you?
I’m glad you found the foods that make you feel great as well. We really do underestimate the power of what we eat, as well as how it affects our brains, and bodies.
Awesome comment, thank you! I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Hope the rest of your week is easy and blessed! ♥
Hi Holly, I did notice more time to spend on other things when I do not watch TV. And I am not worried that I miss out on shows. Have a good rest of the week and thank you for your kind words 😘
I’m so guilty of falling asleep while playing games on my phone. Then I wake up in a panic because my phone is still on. You’d think I’d learn my lesson! I always feel tired even when I think I get a good night’s sleep. I’m going to follow your tip on turning my phone off tonight before bed! 🙂
😀 Michelle, you are something else! Do you fall asleep out of boredom, exhaustion, or find the games that relaxing? I’m guessing you start dreaming about little puzzle pieces falling out of the sky on top of you or something, which makes you wake up in panic! 😂 Bless your heart!
I wonder what keeps you feeling tired. There’s definitely something causing that. Have you had your hormones checked? Even slight imbalances can cause that. I started taking a thyroid and adrenal support supplement called “Soothe,” and that has helped me a ton with the tired feeling. I also supplement that with one from the same company called, “Zen.” I take them both at night before I go to bed. Most people take them during the day for energy, but they made me sleepy! Go figure! I wonder if they’d help you, or something similar?
Here’s to hoping you get a fantastic night’s sleep tonight! As busy as you are, I know you need it. Sending you all my love. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help! ♥
LOL! I have no idea why the games make me fall asleep. I guess it’s just relaxing maybe? I never thought about the puzzle dreams! haha!!!
I never thought about the hormone thing. I have a doctor’s appointment coming up. I’ll definitely talk to her about it. The supplements sound great! I’ll have to check into those. Thank you!
Thank you so much for wonderful words and support! Many hugs and much love going your way! 🙂
Very insightful article. Thank you and stay safe.♥️
Thank you so much. I’m glad you found it insightful. 🙂 Much love and many blessings to you & yours! ♥
My Sincere Pleasure Holly, blessings to you too and to yours. Stay safe ♥️.
This is so apt!. I agree with getting enough sleep. This is so true for me too. There is no excess sleep. I can be cranky when I don’t get sufficient sleep or even feel sick when it continues for days.
And diet too is key!. I recently started to pay attention to eating well and right and it has been of great help.
And the routine too – I had to ensure I am less sedentary!. Our body needs care and it’s God’s temple, we should take care of it!. 😊
Thanks for sharing this ma’am. ❤
And your new theme is lovely. ☺
Oh sis, I couldn’t help but shake my head in agreement with you concerning getting enough sleep! What you describe is exactly how it makes me feel too. Know that you’re not alone! ♥ We weren’t created (in my humble opinion) for a go-go-go lifestyle. God created rest for a reason! When we enjoy all of the gifts He gave us, we are much happier people, wouldn’t you say?
I’m glad to hear you’ve found a daily routine that works well for you. You’re right – being more aware of what we put into our bodies and how we treat them overall gets reflected in how we feel. I’m proud of you for looking after your health. We need you, your wisdom, your ministry and your heart right here on this Earth! 🤗
Thank you so much for the compliment on my theme. You’re the first person to mention it so it is extra special to hear. ♥ I was trying to design a site that felt calming, welcoming and fresh. Hopefully it feels like a big warm hug on a tough day!
Sending all my love to you, sweetheart. As always, I value your comments so much!
Love this Holly! I think sleep is sooooo important, yet so many people overlook it, or say “I’ll sleep when I die”, or “no time for sleep”. But that is sick a self restrictive habit and a recipe for disaster.
Hi, Clarissa! I love your feedback because you’re absolutely right! I’m in full agreement with you about sleep. So many people nowadays wear a lack of sleep like it’s a dang badge of honor. What in the world? Even a small deficit in sleep creates lasting mental and physical complications.
You said it right; it’s a recipe for disaster. I don’t know about you, but I’m a useless zombie without enough Zzzz’s. So sorry that I’m incredibly delayed in replying to you. I value your opinion tremendously and love hearing your thoughts! All my best to you & yours! ♥
[…] on, and correcting, your thoughts can help you to feel better about things and allow you to move forward in […]
Good diet and night sleep are crucial. Sadly, most of us do not pay much attention to both these factors.
AMEN, Philip. I wholeheartedly agree with you. Sleep, especially, affects everything else. If we lack sleep or quality sleep, our hormones become haywire, and then we choose bad foods or find it nearly impossible to lose weight. Then we see all the negative consequences of those choices. It’s all connected.
I enjoyed hearing from you and having you share your input. I hope you’ll return and share more! Have an amazing week!
[…] on small changes that make a big […]
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