Trying to balance a full-time job, home life, friends and other responsibilities take up so much time that being healthy often comes last on your list. Fortunately, implementing healthy choices into your busy routine needn’t be burdensome. Here are quick, easy tips to help you stay healthy and happy.

In This Healthy Insight:

1. Hydrate
2. Exercise
3. Find a routine that works for you
4. Skin
5. Sleep
6. Diet
7. De-stress
8. Ground yourself
9. Socialize with friends and family
10. Think positive
11. Set Goals

Hydrate

Our bodies are about 60% water. Not getting eight 8-ounce servings of water could take a toll on your physical performance, energy levels, mood, weight management, cognitive and digestive functioning. Staying hydrated also helps prevent and treat headaches which seem to be more and more common in modern society.

Exercise

While you may not have the time or energy to go to the gym every day, getting some sort of exercise will benefit you now and in the long run.

• Park further away in parking lots & take the stairs whenever possible
• At work, take breaks and consider using a standing desk
• If possible, commute by bike and walk to your go-to lunch spot
• If you take a train or bus, stand while you ride – if you have time, hop off early and walk the rest of the way

Find a routine that works for you

Whether it’s a skin care routine, sleep schedule or diet – one size doesn’t fit all and personalization is key.

Skin

Look for paraben and fragrance-free products. Wash your face in the morning and night followed by a moisturizer that works for your skin – oily or dry. If you’re looking for natural skincare products, be sure to check out our Nu-U Complete Skincare Routine.

Sleep

Aim for 8 hours a night. If this isn’t possible, try to get at least 6.5 hours and consider naps. The best nap time to recharge for ideal performance and alertness is only 26 minutes. Turning down the temperature in your bedroom at night can boost rejuvenation and create an ideal environment for you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep.

Diet

Each person is unique however, there are some universal rules we can all benefit by.

• Avoid sugary drinks
• Drink water before meals – cold if you want to give your metabolism a boost
• Eat breakfast and if possible, add a lot of protein
• Include fish in your diet – essential fatty acids are good for almost every organ and system in your body including the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory.
• If you don’t have time to grocery shop for healthy foods – try supplementing. While you may not be able to immediately change our diet, it’s essential to get all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to function properly.

De-stress

The amount of damage cortisol, the stress hormone, does on your body is surprising. Take time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate.

• Invest time in your favorite hobbies
• If you have the time, consider getting a pet. Stress and mental health will benefit from interaction with a furry friend (pet effect).
• Eat mood boosting foods. The gut brain interaction is a real thing! In fact, most neurotransmitters that contribute to your mood are made in the gut.
• Putting it on paper. The act of taking something you’re stressing over in your mind and writing it down on paper can take some of the weight, and therefore stress, off you.
• Aromatherapy and supplements – smell is directly correlated with mood and memories. For example, many people use lavender or other essential oils for a quick mood boost. Liquid extracts such as lemon balm are notorious for their calming and relaxing effects (not to mention good for balancing your health).
• Meditate
• CBD. There are many forms of CBD such as gummies and liquid drops that are tailored to stress management and relaxation without overdoing it.

Ground yourself

Go for a walk, take some deep breaths, go barefoot outside. Connecting your feet to the earth gives a sense of grounding and for some, makes a difference in their daily mood.

Socialize with friends and family

You don’t have to be a social butterfly but interacting with meaningful relationships regularly has great effects on mental health.

Think positive

The Law of Attraction states that humans are like magnets, what you put out is what you get back. Focusing on the positive will, in return, help you notice and attract more positivity.