To get the most out of your herbal supplements, consider making a few small lifestyle changes.
Read on for some lifestyle tweaks that’ll help you reap the incredible benefits of your herbal supplements and have you thriving rather than just surviving!
STEP 1: Try to eat more plant-based meals
As celebrated food writer Michael Pollan once said, “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.”
Plant-based diets are on the rise in the US. In fact, a recent study shows that there are now 9.7 million Americans following plant-based diets, up nearly 9.4 million over the last 15 years.
If you’re considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely, good for you! Not only is it better for the planet, but the benefits for your health are clear.
People who eat a plant-based diet are far less at risk of developing certain diseases, such as:
While you’re at it, be sure to watch your sugar and salt intake! Of course, it’s far easier to avoid these health problems if you avoid processed foods and instead focus on eating a natural, plant-based diet.
TOP TIP: If you’re struggling to change your diet, instead of telling yourself what you can’t eat, try telling yourself what you CAN eat. This mindset shift is small but oh-so-effective!
STEP 2: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep
Getting enough zzzs is essential if you want to be at the top of your health game.
But it’s not always easy in our modern-day society to get all the sleep we need, whether that’s because we’re working long hours and not prioritizing sleep or spending too much time staring into bright screens, etc.
However, lack of sleep can lead to poor mental health as well as an increased risk of chronic health issues, so making sure you get your 7-8 hours a night is crucial.
TOP TIP: To help you doze off quicker, don’t eat too close to bedtime as your body will still be digesting your dinner. And turn off your screens! Even better, make your bedroom a screen-free zone. It’s okay, your phone and tablet will still be there in the morning, but you’ll be doing your body a massive favor by allowing it the rest it needs!
STEP 3: Get moving!
These days, the majority of people spend far too much time sitting down, whether it’s behind a desk for work or at home watching TV.
But this sedentary lifestyle isn’t doing us any favors! By doing some kind of activity--and it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you’re moving--you lubricate your joints, tone your muscles, and give your mental health a serious boost!
If you’re struggling to get into physical exercise, try mixing things up a bit. Not only does this help with motivation, but you’re more likely to work on different parts of your body.
Whether you’re doing yoga, riding your bike, running, lifting weights, or even taking your dog for an extra-long walk, all of these things will do wonders for your physical and mental health!
TOP TIP: Consider finding a workout buddy! Having a friend or co-worker join you in exercising adds encouragement, accountability, and fun!
STEP 4: Be here now
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to just stop. Stop moving, stop thinking, and just take some time out for yourself, whether that’s meditating or just sitting and focusing on your breath.
The beauty is that meditation can be done any time, it’s free, easy, and an amazing antidote to stress!
TOP TIP: Having difficulties getting started? Simply sit and focus on your breath. Thoughts will come up and you will lose focus, and that’s okay! When you find your mind wandering, simply return to your breath. This will get easier the more you practice.
STEP 5: Drink your water!
We can’t overstate the importance of drinking plenty of water! Mother Nature’s gift to us all, water keeps us hydrated and allows the organs and other bodily systems to function as they should.
The minimum you should go for is eight glasses a day, and try and make sure those are actual water and not coffee or soda!
Many other beverages have diuretic properties, which makes dehydration worse, while some are rich in sugar and offer nothing but empty calories but instead increase the risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. No thanks!
TOP TIP: If you struggle to drink enough water, add some flavor and excitement by steeping fruit such as lemon or raspberries, or veggies such as cucumber or ginger to your carafe. Herbs such as lavender, basil, and mint are another tasty possibility!
