Since I am doing 30 Days of Fitness I thought I would repost this and hopefully give you a little inspiration if you are looking at making a lifestyle change!

It seems so obvious drink, sleep and move more and your life will be healthier. But from someone that was upon time caught in a cycle of unhealthy living, I’m not going to lecture you on how easy it is to change. Because honestly, I know how hard it is, especially in the first couple of weeks when it feels like the world is against you, which makes it super easy to just give up and continue the way you were. I am here to tell you that you can do it, you just have to start small after all a small step forward is still a step forward and is something to be extremely proud of. I have picked seven small changes that will not only improve your physical health but your mental health too because if your mental health is improved it will help with the physical side too. You don’t even have to do all seven steps at once, even if you started with one then added a second one during week two etc then in less than two months you will be doing all seven points, you will feel healthier and be happier.

Drink more water!

Forever a struggle for me! Drinking water is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve your health but many of us just don’t seem to manage it. I aim to drink eight glasses a day, although it is the easiest of all seven points I actually find it the hardest. I naturally don’t drink enough fluids, I just forget and before you know it I have a big old headache. Not to mention water doesn’t exactly excite like a cocktail or a Grande coffee from Starbucks, but it certainly becomes easier once you get into the habit of drinking it. Now I make a conscious effort to drink a glass, on the hour every hour, even if it’s a small glasses it’s still more water than I would normally drink. You can even start small with this step, try swapping your usual fizzy drink for a glass of water and build from there. Before you know it you will be sleeping better, have more energy and clearer skin.

Move a little more!

Literally more a little more, I absolutely love the gym but it wasn’t always like that, I used to drive to my local corner shop which was on the street I lived on! I started small by walking more, I started walking into work three times a week then before I knew it I was walking to work every day. Next, I downloaded the couch to 5k app and started to run and I kind of fell in love with the high feeling you get from exercise which pushed me to do more and more. All these small steps to more movement are all free and take little effort, so when you hear the old cliche about getting off the bus a stop earlier, it’s said for a reason. So blow the cobwebs off your trainers and get your cute butt moving.

Enjoy some time to self-care!

Self-care is the best thing you can do for your mental health, it gives you a chance to unwind and process your week. For me, self-caring allows me a couple of hours a week to be completely selfish with my time, turn my phone off, close the world out and concrete on me and my needs. This may seem selfish and unnecessary but the truth is without this time I would never take a break eventually running my body and mind into the ground. By taking time to self-care I’m a much better sister, daughter and friend, I’m not tired or easily wound up. Self-care can be anything from reading a book, taking a class, having a pamper session or taking yourself out on a date.

Tech free bedroom!

I am a massive fan of having a clutter-free bedroom, less is definitely more when it comes to bedtime! I have never had a television in any of my bedrooms and when it comes to mobile phones, it gets turned off an hour before bedtime to help me unwind. Nothing will disturb your sleeping pattern more than checking every one of your social media accounts twice before you finally decide to nod off. Not to mention your phone is probably the first thing you reach for the second you open your eyes. And if you are actually worried that someone might need to get hold of you in an emergency then just leave it on the other side of the room so you are not tempted by it. Getting enough undisturbed sleep is not only good for your mental health but your physical health too, nothing will mess up your healthy eating more than reaching for a sugary snack at 11am to give you an energy boost.

Eat breakfast!

Usually breakfast is my favourite meal of the day and the main reason why I can jump out of bed at 5am, however recently I have been skipping breakfast which has not only caused a 10am cake habit but I’ve also started eating it at 1pm and 3pm too followed by a takeaway dinner. I always think if you can start your day with a healthy, yummy breakfast than that encourages you to continue being healthy throughout the day. Not to mention having breakfast kick starts your metabolism after sleeping all night. And if you ” don’t have time ” there’s no excuse, make overnight oats which can be eaten whilst having your morning coffee. If you can’t eat first thing, believe me you will get used to it.

Take part in meat-free Mondays!

I am not vegetarian but I don’t ever have meat in the house and make a conscious effort not to eat meat a few days a week as I find it leaves me feeling bloated and a little bit gross. I also find going meat-free actually leaves me feeling more energetic. I would highly recommend cutting out meat at least one day and week and seeing how it makes you feel. Although watch out for vegetarian options when eating out as a lot of places seem to swap meat for endless amounts of cheese.

Go outside!

Go out and enjoy the world, it’s so easy to get caught up in the pattern of life, work Monday – Friday then spend the weekend doing more what feels like chores than actually living a life. Look at how you spend your time! Do you see friends/family enough? When was the last time you enjoyed a date with your partner or simply did something or go somewhere because you wanted to? This once a week will greatly improve your mental health and hopefully, get you moving a bit more and leave you with belly ache from laughing.

There you have it seven super steps to a happier, healthier life for next to nothing! Which change are you going to make first?