Everyone experiences good days and bad days. But have you ever wondered how you can help your body continuously feel like the well-oiled machine that it is? When you feel good, it means that your body and mind are working at their peak level. Here are a few tips to help you feel good day after day.
Soak up the sun
While too much of the sun’s warm rays can be harmful to your skin, the right balance can have lots of mood-lifting benefits. Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin, which has mood-boosting benefits and helps you feel calm and focused. When your serotonin levels dip, so does your mood. Especially during the winter months, when sunlight hours are quite limited and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be triggered.
Get some fresh air
Regardless of the season or the temperature outside, getting fresh air can make a big difference in your overall state of mind. Oxygen is one of the most important nutrients our bodies need. Regularly stepping outside for a dose of fresh air will not only make you feel good, it’ll also help boost your immune system, battle stress, and leave you feeling energized.
Stretch your muscles (every day)
Stretching will help get your muscles ready for the day. It improves circulation and can help you feel more relaxed as you get ready to tackle your daily routine. Stretching is important for everybody, regardless of occupation or activity level. However, it is especially important for those who sit for long periods of the day. Long routine periods of sitting can shorten muscles which, in turn, can lead to discomfort or even injury.
Drink plenty of H20
Starting your day with a large, 12-16 oz. glass of water is a great beginning. It calls an end to the fasting period created during the night, and it alerts your body that you are ready to get going. After that initial large glass of water, you can move on to your other fluid faves, like orange juice, coffee, or tea. Just make sure that you start with water, and continue drinking water throughout the day to ensure proper hydration.
Drinking enough water will do more than keep you hydrated. It’ll also help you feel good. Water helps to keep things moving, digestion-wise. It’s also energizing and helps us keep a clear mind. Plus, good ol’ H2O also helps protect joints and cartilage, keeps our kidneys working properly, and helps fight fatigue. Who knew something so simple could have so many benefits to keep us feeling good?!
Get enough shut-eye
Getting adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more. If you’re wondering how sleep can make you feel good, here are just a few benefits of getting the right amount of sleep:
- Keep a healthy weight – Well-rested individuals lose more fat vs. sleep-deprived individuals.
- Keep inflammation at bay – Most doctors recommend 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. If you’re cutting corners in the snooze department, you’re cheating your immune system, which means it needs to kick into high gear in an effort to help you feel good.
- Improve memory and focus – Sleep strengthens your memory and sharpens your focus. When you’re deprived of sleep, your thoughts can seem foggy and you can experience ADHD-like symptoms.
- Keep your body regulated – Sleep helps regulate body temperature, hormone levels, digestion, and appetite. Sleep is also important for healthy immune function and can also enhance your overall athletic performance, including your energy level.