Is it Possible to Live a Happier and Healthier Lifestyle?

by Dr. Daisy Sutherland

Do you feel like your world is spinning out of control? Can’t seem to get motivated to conquer another day? You are not alone! In fact, there are many women who feel exactly how you feel. It’s no wonder you feel overburdened; we as women are programmed from a young age to do more and be more.

Think about it for a second. You are a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, girlfriend, fiancé, wife, mother, grandmother and more. Wait, you are then expected to be a professional, entrepreneur, business owner, chef, chauffeur, housekeeper, teacher, boo-boo kisser, and the list go on. It’s no wonder you feel like your life is spinning out of control. As a woman, you are programmed from a young age to have many titles with minimum recognition. You are expected to be a superwoman or super mom but that is not necessary.

In order to live a happier and healthier lifestyle you must first evaluate your life. Are you constantly running? Are you always doing things for others? Finding it difficult to say ‘No’? Is it even possible to truly enjoy your day without falling flat on your face at night? Of course, it is!!

Here are some tips for you:

Take a deep breath

Breathing is essential, after all, you may not be conscious if you don’t do it constantly. However, cleansing breath is what is necessary throughout your day. If you feel like your day is heading downhill, stop and take a deep cleansing breath. Not only will this help in the relaxation department it will truly eliminate the toxins of stress that tend to creep in.

No more to-do lists

Yes, eliminate those lists! Although you may think that your to-do list is necessary it may be the cause of your stress and anxiety. Instead of a long to-do list that quite frankly is impossible to accomplish in 24 hours, choose 5 items you’d like to accomplish in a day. Don’t choose giant tasks like cleaning out the garage, washing the windows, painting the kitchen, and making dinner for 20. Instead, choose items that you can complete and then celebrate when you’re done. Yes! Do a little dance and relish in your accomplishments.

Eat 5 meals a day

Okay so by now you’re probably thinking that I’ve fallen off my rocker but keep reading, this is important. As a busy woman, it is quite likely that you neglect to eat healthy and nutritious meals. It’s important to keep your body fueled in the form of food. Imagine driving your vehicle without gasoline; you likely won’t get very far. Your body works in the same manner. The 5 important meals are breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner. The snacks are not salty and fried snacks but healthy snacks such as fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers, or yogurt. These 5 meals will keep your body fueled, help you concentrate, and most importantly burn off calories. Skipping meals will force the body to turn the meals that are provided into fat which is something we are all trying to avoid. Not to mention that a hungry person equals a cranky person and that’s not how you want to be perceived.

Do a little dance

Keeping with the topic of happiness and health, it’s important to stay active. I’m not saying to go run a marathon or hit the gym each and every night. What I am saying is that in order to keep your body and mind healthy you must stay active. This activity can and should include walking, cycling, swimming and let’s not forget dancing. Yes, who cares if you look foolish, at least you are moving your body. Keeping your muscles and joints active will keep you happy and healthy and those around you will be motivated to do the same.

As you can tell from the minimal tips I’ve shared you can lead a happy and healthy lifestyle. It’s important to determine what is important in your life. The order I share with many is the following: take care of you, take care of your spouse or significant other, and then take care of your children. Before you start to shake your head, be sure to come back because I will be sharing my thoughts on that order next.

In order to live a happier and healthier lifestyle you must take care of YOU first. How else will you care for others?