lifestyle

8 Easy Things You Can Do Today To Live Healthier Without Changing Your Lifestyle

It's hard to make big changes, so start small!

Cover image via Lindsay Henwood/Unsplash & Ali Inay/Unsplash

We all know that healthy living mainly consists of regular exercise and a balanced diet. But that can be a huge commitment you're not ready to take on yet.

Image via Gifer

If that's the case, no worries! You don't actually need to make drastic changes to your lifestyle in order to live a little more healthy. Small changes here and there can make such a difference to your overall wellness in the long-term.

It's true what they say, sedikit-sedikit, lama-lama jadi bukit ;)

In collaboration with Lactel Bliss, here are 8 easy things you can do today to start living healthier:

1. Enjoy your meals... take your time :)

As weird as it sounds, chewing your food has a lot of benefits. As you chew, the food mixes with your saliva, allowing your body to extract more nutrients. 

On top of that, studies have shown that when you eat at a slower pace, you reduce your overall food intake. Therefore you are less likely to overeat and feel uncomfortable afterwards.

2. Learn how to cook simple 15-minute meals for yourself using healthier ingredients

Image via Lactel Malaysia

If you rely heavily on eating out and food delivery, consider learning how to prepare simple meals for yourself. That way you can replace certain ingredients with healthier options, while still enjoying your favourite meals. For example, using yoghurt instead of mayo!

3. Practise gratitude once a week

Psychologists have identified solid social, psychological, and physical health benefits that come from giving thanks. A popular way to practise gratitude is by keeping a 'Gratitude Journal.' They found that keeping this personal journal helped people get better sleep, get fewer symptoms of illness, and experience more happiness!

At the end of every week, write down at least five things you are grateful for. Add details and people that made your week.

4. Add probiotic-rich food to your daily diet

Image via Food Network

Probiotics are good bacteria that help enhance immune response, improve intestinal health, and help relieve constipation.

Yoghurt is one of the best sources of probiotics. It naturally contains a lot of friendly bacteria that can strengthen your digestive tract.

5. Organise a fun activity with friends for your next get-together, rather than the usual coffee meet-up

Visit an escape room to test your teamwork skills, go hiking or rock climbing, organise a sports tournament... the sky's the limit!

Not only will you be physically active, you'll also be having loads of fun, both of which are so important to overall health. 

6. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks on your commute

If you have a long commute to work, consider listening to a podcast or audiobook to pass the time. They both have loads of benefits!

Not only do you learn new things, audiobooks can even aid sleep, keep anxiety under control, and raise serotonin levels (making you happy!)

7. Meditate for at least five minutes a day

Meditation helps promote your emotional health, among many other health benefits.

To get started, set aside five minutes of your time at the end of the day. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and breathe naturally. Focus your attention on your breathing. If your mind wanders, return your focus on your breath.

Try it out for 5 minutes at first, and eventually for longer periods of time.

8. Make a conscious effort to take the stairs every day

Not so interested in getting a gym membership? That's ok! The Harvard Alumni Study found that climbing an average of eight or more flights of stairs a day lowered mortality rates by 33%.

So take the stairs to your office every morning and after your lunch break. If you work on say, the 19th floor, take the lift to the 15th floor and continue up the stairs from there. 

See? It's not that hard to make simple, healthy changes to your life!

Image via Giphy

Get your dose of daily goodness with Lactel Bliss Yoghurt Drink

It's the same delicious taste you love from Nestle, but now under the new brand name - Lactel!

Made with real fruit juice, Lactel Bliss contains live cultures to give you the pleasure of taste and nutrition while helping your tummy feel good.

There are lots of yummy flavours including Strawberry, Mixed Berries, Tropical Mixed Fruits, and many more!

Image via Lactel Malaysia

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