28 Oct 5 Tips To Instantly Change Your Health

Written By:  Lifebook Member Andrea Metcalf

Health and fitness changes are at the forefront of everyone’s mind.  We know we need to take care of ourselves – we know that when we do, we feel so much better.  But somehow the time slips past and we’ve not only missed a workout for the day, but we have also missed meal planning.  This is where the excuse of “only 24 hours in a day” comes into play.

“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.'” – Lao Tzu

However, in this case, I know you do want to make changes and you will make the time.  Let me share with you a few simple things you can do to instantly change your health:

1. Know your numbers. Simply taking your blood pressure next time you’re at the grocery store or taking your pulse for a heart rate check can give you feedback. Instantly, you have a better awareness of current health.  If your blood pressure is high (>120/80), in as little as 6 weeks your numbers can change. If your heart rate for 60 seconds is higher than 75 beats, this number can change too with just a little bit of exercise.
2. Eat a better breakfast. Start everyday with a great breakfast.  We wouldn’t send out kids out the door without one, so we need to value ourselves to do the same.  Make sure your breakfast has plenty of protein which helps stabilize blood sugar and starve off hunger.  My favorite quick meals:  Greek yogurt (16-21 grams of protein) with a teaspoon of honey (good probiotic) 1 cups of berries or try 2 eggs, 2 slices bacon and 2 slices of tomato, 1 slice avocado and a piece of fruit.
3. Try Super Brain Yoga. This yoga integrates western acupressure with yoga moves to increase circulation, strength, and mind connection.  Try this move: Cross your arms and bring your hands to your ears gentling pressing on the ear lobes.  Squat back into chair pose or a simple squat.  Hold for 10 counts and repeat  3-4 times.
4. Floss daily. Gums are key to heart disease and simple daily flossing is thought to improve heart health. To the extent that good oral hygiene reduces plaque, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and the accompanying inflammatory processes, proper oral hygiene may in turn improve insulin sensitivity of liver and muscle cells and reduce blood sugar levels and the need for insulin.
5. Jump. Because fast twitch muscles degenerate as we age, simple hopping can improve balance,  muscle tone and even brain function. Jumping rope is great cardio too but don’t let tripping on a rope stop you, just try hopping or jumping from side to side or across a line on the ground for 30-60 seconds at least once a day.

Try integrating one or more of these into your daily activities for an instant boost to your health.