12 Steps to a Better You

How might a situation play out differently?

Health is a dynamic concept, not a fixed outcome. It is hard to represent perfect 100% of the time when we are bombarded with messages of how our life should be. Life is a journey, not a destination by taking small steps and enjoying the process. Not about missing our multi-vitamin earlier this morning.

I recommend you taking small steps that add up to big changes in the long run by improving your level of awareness. Instead of beating ourselves up when things don’t go as planned, stick to a gradual increase in small steps that lead to an overall change.

Here are 12-steps that you can take to improve your current lifestyle. If you find that these are challenging to add in to your life all at once, don't fret. Take gradual steps by picking 1 or 2 things you choose to start migrating into your daily life. Here we go!

1. Drink water

Gulp. Gulp. Gulp. That's me drinking my water if you couldn't tell! I don't know what I would do if I couldn't drink water. Although I am not a fan of swimming it is one of our only sources of hydration. Something we take for granted is fresh/clear water. Not all countries have the luxury to do the same. Take advantage and appreciate all that we have. There are some amazing benefits of water such as clear skin, optimal digestion, detox, etc. You'll feel better and if you're not used to it start off slow. Your bladder will thank you.

2. Practice cooking

Use your kitchen! I cannot say this enough and I am sure more than half of the population uses their kitchen as much as they like to wake up to go to work. It has become so convenient to order take out from around the corner than it is to prepare a wonderful home-cooked meal. Well, if it came down to all restaurants closing down, would you know how to cook a meal, an actual meal that is not processed? Well, if you're answer is no then experiment! I would not survive with my kitchen stove or oven. I love eating my own creations and having control of what goes into my mouth.

3. Experiment with whole grains

Whole grains can ensure a happy and healthy digestive system. There are a various amount of options for you to choose from. If you are having some digestive distress incorporating oats, rice, and other grains may help in regularity. Try exploring some gluten free options for breakfast or for snacks throughout the day.

4. Increase sweet vegetables

Healthy antioxidants are found in many types of sweet vegetables that battle off harmful disease and can work in preventing nutrient deficiency. If you are looking for some really good sweet tasting vegetables, check out my sweet pepper salad recipe. Sweet vegetables are not only tasty and friendly as they provide colors of the rainbow. I don't know about you, but I like to eat how I want to look. So if I want to look radiant...I eat radiance.

5. Increase leafy green vegetables

I absolutely love cabbage and I cannot put my finger on why, but I just do. I never used to like anything green (for some of us, that could be a good thing. MOLD...that's green, Grass is also green) and I learned that it depends on the preparation of the food that matters most. I have become a season lover and put spices on everything possible. This took my fear of eating leafy greens to a LOVE relationship real quick.

7. Eat fewer processed foods

Eating less processed foods is of course a domino effect of a healthier life, but not just because it is considered "unhealthy or harmful," but because what I fuel my body with is what I am going to get in return. I need a lot of energy to keep up with what this busy life throws me and I want to make sure that I fuel it with lasting nutritious elements.

8. Make a habit of nurturing your body

Nurturing your body means more than just what we eat. It always means what we hear, see, feel, touch, smell, and believe. We want to feed our body with what will nourish us. I always say to myself, every bite I take is either healing me or it's harming me. I make my own decision and whatever goes into my body I am fully aware of.

9. Have healthy relationships

Having a healthy and happy relationship can mean anything from sharing your off time with your significant other or it can also mean sharing a positive relationship with your parents. Whatever this means to you is where you find piece of mind whenever you need it most. Just because someone is your blood relative or has been in your life since the day you can remember does not mean that they have to stay. Some come for a season and others are there for a reason.

10. Enjoy our physical activity regularly

That morning workout or night-time HIIT class is designed specifically to cater your needs. Without physical activity you would feel achy and groggy. So, why not jump into that after work session with your co-workers or meet your spouse at the park for a walk? There is no better time than now, and you'll feel amazing afterwards. Get those endorphins moving and release that stress. It's like you won't even sweat it. When you look good, you feel good!

11. Find work you love

Enjoying what you do for a living is extremely important, but there will not always be times that you love what you do. And that's ok...if you can't then find something that you absolutely love about what you do. Whether it's your co-workers, your lunch break, the people that you meet, or the lives that you change. Enjoy what you do and you'll never have to work a day in your life. :)

12. Develop a spiritual practice

Having something that you can call your own feels excitingly nice. I know from experience that when you wake up in the morning and have that favorite thing to help get your morning going really plays out the best part of your day. So, whether you wake up and do you meditations before anyone is awake, or you write in your journal (check out my morning sidekick journal), or even spend some relax time recouping in the bath there is no better place to be than in the comfort of yourself. No matter what it is, find that something that helps heal you throughout any time of the day.

These are simply suggestions that can help lead you into a positive direction. Try selecting one of the twelve steps and then start another one. If you can incorporate all some of these techniques into your life I promise you will not be sorry. Over time you eventually will find these to be more second nature than anything. Remember, this is meant to be fulfilling not stressful.

If you enjoyed this post make sure to spread the word to all of your friends, family, and anyone that you know. Hit the like, share, and subscribe to my newsletter and never miss an opportunity to live happy and healthy. I look forward to seeing you beautiful souls next time!