5 Self-Improvement Tips to Boost Health, Happiness, and Life Satisfaction 

Dorothy Watson from http://mentalwellnesscenter.info/ shared with healthy Lombard that we’re never too old or young for self-improvement, especially in a nation where obesity, physical inactivity, substance abuse, and depression are so prevalent. In fact, the CDC says 6 in 10 U.S. adults suffer from at least one chronic disease — while 4 in 10 have two or more chronic conditions. Moreover, about 9.5 percent of U.S. adults suffer from a depressive disorder — while about 18 percent live with anxiety.

Fortunately, improving your overall health and life satisfaction is easier than it sounds — especially if you prioritize things such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.

Likewise, by modeling good behavior, your children and teenagers are also learning what to do. Actions speak louder than words, and studies show children and teenagers pay more attention to how you live your life in actions than in the words you choose to use. By modeling hydration, healthy eating, exercise, relaxation, and finding life purpose through example, you are helping to prevent childhood obesity.

Check out these five tips from Healthy Lombard to start living your healthiest, happiest, and most fulfilling life possible!

1. Keep Yourself Hydrated

As simple as it may be, most Americans aren’t drinking enough water on a daily basis. And not only can a lack of water in the body lead to mental fatigue and moodiness, but also headaches, a slower metabolism, and dry skin.

While your specific need for water will depend on your diet, gender, health, environment, and several other factors, most men need about 3.7 liters of water each day — while women require about 2.7 liters. However, drinking water isn’t the only way to meet these daily requirements — as water can also be found in fruits, vegetables, and other beverages like tea and milk. If you’re having trouble drinking enough water each day, try working the following water-rich foods into your diet:

• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Bell peppers
• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Apples
• Peaches

2. Eat Smarter

In addition to drinking more water and consuming plenty of water-rich foods, shifting to a whole foods diet could help to manage your weight, increase your intake of fiber and healthy fats, and incorporate more nutrients into your daily meals. Some examples of healthy whole foods include nuts, seeds, beans, fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed meats and dairy products.

If you could use some assistance as you adopt a healthier diet, check out mobile apps such as MyFitnessPal, MakeMyPlate, Nutrition Facts, and SuperFood – Healthy Recipes. You could even subscribe to a healthy meal delivery service like Sunbasket, Purple Carrot, or Home Chef.

3. Sneak Cardio Into Your Day

Like staying hydrated and eating whole foods, cardio exercises can help to improve your overall health and well-being. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the benefits of aerobic activity range from improved joint, brain, skin, and muscle health to better sleep, energy, body image, and mood. Plus, it’s easy to sneak cardio into your day if you take the stairs whenever possible, stand or walk while talking on the phone, and bike or walk as an alternative to driving a vehicle.

4. Relax

Often, being busy is seen as a virtue, but overworking can lead to stress and other health problems. If you have been testy with your children and loved ones lately, perhaps everyone needs a brief vacation. However, planning a vacation can be just as stressful as working day in, day out, with no rest. Consider vacationing in Chicago, close enough to Lombard, and see those sights with your family that you never get to see.

5. Transform Your Career

If you’re unhappy in your profession or having trouble balancing your work and home life, another way to improve your life satisfaction is to explore going back to school and trying out for a new career. With some programs like nursing entirely online, you can pursue your education from anywhere-oftentimes from the comfort of your home. What would you like to do next? What degrees would help to put your best skills to work? Do some exploration to see where your passions and skills meet the wants of the world, and start exploring.

In Conclusion

Not only will these five tips help you to feel more satisfied with your life, but you’ll also improve your overall health and well-being when you drink more water, eat whole foods, and transform your career. As simple as these strategies may seem at first glance, they can help to make you a happier and healthier person overall!  And how you improve yourself will serve as a better teacher to your children than any preaching.

 Main photo is from Unsplash