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Guest article written by Julie Morris
Realistic Ways to Look and Be Your Healthiest
If you’re like many other people living with Spina Bifida, you’re constantly figuring out ways to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. And you’re always open to new ideas as to how you can make that happen.
We all experience pain and become overwhelmed at times. But there are many simple strategies to consider that can drastically improve your quality of life. Below, are some practical insights into feeling and looking your best!
Embrace Simple Nutrition
Healthy nutrition doesn’t need to be complicated. Find ways to increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and water. You don’t have to create complex meals.
Open the freezer, fridge, and cupboards and create meals out of ingredients you already have. Whether it’s a healthy stir fry, a hearty stew, or a delicious protein bowl. By being intentional about adding one or two healthy ingredients to each meal, reaching for nutritious items will become second nature.
Cut Out the Negativity
Negativity has a way of seeping into every aspect of your life and ruining it. If you find your home filled with complaining, bickering, and judgment, then choose to be intentional about changing the atmosphere.
A good way to start is by going through all your belongings, room by room, and getting rid of what you don’t use or love. Then do a deep clean of each room. As you freshen the space and declutter, you’ll see a shift and find it easier to make other positive changes.
Move Every Day
Movement is critical to every aspect of your life. Not only does fitness increase your muscle strength, weight maintenance, and balance, but it’s also important for your mental health and stress management.
Start by trying out a simple fitness routine that you can do every day. It can be something as simple as a brisk walk around your neighborhood, a guided YouTube exercise routine using your natural body weight, or a weightlifting class you’ve always wanted to try. If you enjoy whatever fitness routine you’re trying to implement, you’ll be more likely to maintain it and reap the long-term benefits.
Rest Up
Sleep is as essential to a healthy life as nutrition and exercise. Consider how you can get seven hours of quality rest. Find activities that help you wind down from your busy day, and ensure you’re able to do those activities every night. Make whatever changes in your bedroom are necessary for it to serve as a restful retreat (e.g., switch the paint color, add comfortable pillows, install blackout drapes, etc.).
Stay Social
It’s so easy to let physical and emotional circumstances overpower your life, which can easily lead to depression and isolation. Make an everyday effort to form and maintain quality relationships. Those relationships will not only give you a better quality of life but also keep you from focusing too much on your personal struggles.
Change Your Wardrobe
How you dress will significantly impact your outlook on life. If you feel stuck in a rut, consider changing your wardrobe. Play with prints, colors, cuts, and textures. Have fun changing your appearance and trying new things. You may find that your mental and emotional health get a little boost and that you have an added pep in your step!
God has a purpose for everyone’s life, and that purpose doesn’t entail feeling stagnant, battling negativity, or living in your past. All it takes to rise above is to make simple moves that improve your quality of life. By following some or all of the ideas above and inviting God along on the journey, you’ll immediately start seeing positive changes!
Would you like to read more helpful content or browse my resources for living with Spina Bifida? Visit GodsLoveMyLife.com today!
Julie Morris is a life and career coach. She thrives on helping others live their best lives. It’s easy for her to relate to clients who feel run over by life because she’s been there