5 Small Health Changes That Can Make a Big Difference

Are you taking good care of your body? These days, the majority of Americans aren’t making enough positive choices that support a healthy weight and efficient body systems. For some, the thought of maintaining your general wellness feels overwhelming and very out of reach. However, you don’t have to take huge steps or make drastic changes to see prompt benefits. These small yet powerful modifications are easy ways to support your health and maintain your general wellness. 

1. Just Start Walking

“Sitting is the new smoking” is a popular phrase in today’s health discussions, and for good reason. A sedentary lifestyle is becoming the norm for many people, and over time, it can be harmful to your health. While frequent and rigorous exercise is recommended by most health professionals, you don’t have to start by taking a kickboxing class or running a marathon. For most people, walking is all you need to do to support stronger muscles, bones, and organs.

For beginners, it’s not so much about the distance as it is the time and intensity. 15 minutes a day at a pace that makes it difficult to sing but still easy to talk is a great place to start. Even a casual stroll is better than no movement at all. Always consult with a physician first before you start a new exercise program.

2. Take Health Supplements

Your body needs a variety of nutrients to stay healthy, strong, and regular. Even those with incredible eating habits can find it difficult to consume enough. Consider starting a health supplement routine to help fill in the gaps that you might miss from your typical food choices. In addition to a multivitamin, you may also want to consider a fiber powder or a probiotic supplement. Again, talk with your physician first to determine which options are right for you.

3. Set a Bedtime Alarm

Sufficient sleep is crucial if you want to maintain a healthy body, but most people just don’t get enough. A typical adult should sleep for at least seven hours a night, every night, to keep their body functioning efficiently. If going to bed at a reasonable hour is difficult for you, start by setting an alarm that goes off 30 minutes before an appropriate bedtime. This can give you a heads-up so you can start winding down and preparing for a better night’s sleep by turning off screens and starting your nighttime ritual.

4. Cut Out the Soda

There are plenty of food and beverage choices that do nothing but harm to your body, and soda may be one of the worst offenders. For many people, just one can contain almost an entire day’s worth of sugar (if not more), plus more caffeine than your body needs. Soda is also highly acidic and isn’t hydrating; in fact, it can have the opposite effect on your body. Consuming it on a regular basis is associated with plenty of negative health issues as well. Try swapping it out for sparkling water instead so you can get your fizzy fix without all the unnecessary additives.

5. Invest in a Fitness Tracker or App

A little accountability can go a long way in terms of making healthy choices. There are many digital programs that help you keep track of everything from your exercise habits and your calorie intake to how much water you’re consuming. Sometimes, just becoming aware of what you are (or are not) doing can be a powerful motivator to help you make more positive choices. Fitness trackers and apps can also help you set smaller, more attainable goals while giving you reminders to stay on track.

Studies have shown that people are often more successful when they make small, gradual changes instead of huge all-or-nothing leaps in multiple areas of life, including health and wellness. Just one simple change can be incredibly powerful and can be the first step of many toward a healthier and happier body.