“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

Marcus Aurelius

Sometimes big changes start with small shifts. You don’t have to go vegan or sign up for the boot camp to give your life a nice boost. It doesn’t matter if you wish to start eating healthier or get more fit and active, it doesn’t mean you need to make a total makeover of your lifestyle. Certain activities and behavior have been shown to help people improve their lives even though we are all different. However these small steps we take every day can really help us to make a bigger impact on our life:

1. Start day with water

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 Many of us stay simply dehydrated which is the main reason to moodiness, fatigue and concentrating problems. Try to get used to having a glass of water every morning before you grab your favorite cup of coffee. Add a touch of lemon or warm water if it sounds better for you.

2. Stretch before bed

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We often don’t find time for a little bit of move during a day, that’s why stretching before bed would be the best idea. It increases the strength and flexibility of your muscles , and also releases the stress you’ve been accumulating through the day. Stretching will help you sleep better and promote better posture.

3. Eat without distractions

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Try to avoid watching TV or checking the phone while having your meal. It encourages healthier food choices and is even capable to relieve stress, according to Harvard Health. When you keep your mind and body busy with multitasking you are not able to concentrate and recognize the food itself.

4. Take a morning walk

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It is one of the best ways to give your body a boost of energy and a breath of fresh air as well. Morning walk and sunshine will boost circadian rhythms, improve metabolism and will make your sleep during the night way stronger and tighter.

5. Wear Sunscreen

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It doesn’t mean that you have to wear it only when you head to the beach or pool. Make a habit of putting the sunscreen every time you go outside. It will help to keep your skin wrinkle free and younger.

6. Get some free time from social media

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Scrolling down the newsfeed can help you for a little while to totally turn off and let your time run by. However, according to the study from the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, people who look at Facebook or other social nets quite often tend to be more depressed, as they always make comparison of their own life to the others.

7. Slow down with alcohol

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It doesn’t mean you need to totally cut it off, but reducing the amount will bring more benefits to your health.

8. Get up at work

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Does your work involve sitting all day long in front of computer? Make yourself a reminder to get up from time to time or simply to stand. European Heart Journal states that people who spent more time walking during working day had lower levels of sugar and cholesterol.

9. Find a fitness buddy

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It makes you not only more accountable but gives you additional motivation not to skip gym and work out harder.

10. Connect with more people every day

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In real time, not through the social net. People feel more connected even if they simply smile at strangers.

11. Make your own food

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Try to avoid take aways and start cooking by yourself. First of all you definitely will save money, and secondly you will increase awareness about healthy food in general.

Start with small changes and as soon as you begin to enjoy seeing the results, you will be more motivated to add more healthy habits to your lifestyle.

source: bustle