In a world where we are often on the go, finding great ways to stay healthy can be tough. We like things that are convenient for our busy days. Thankfully, good health doesn’t have to be complicated or tedious. Here are some quick-and-easy tips to help you enjoy better health without spending too much time or energy.

Lower Stress with Mindfulness

Does your busy schedule stress you out? Being stressed is hard on your mind and body. When you are feeling afraid or stressed, those emotions can trigger your body to release chemicals into your bloodstream that affect your overall health. Your muscles become tense, and the way your brain functions actually changes. While we are designed to respond to short-term stressors, chronic stress can be harmful to your well-being. In time, your brain essentially becomes rewired from stress chemicals, potentially leaving you at higher risk for psychiatric disorders. Lowered stress levels can improve your communication, concentration, and problem-solving ability. Psychology Today points out that learning deep relaxation techniques can improve your brain’s health and recover from the damage caused by stress. Mindfulness and meditation exercises, such as breathing exercises, can combat stressful situations. Also, don’t neglect the state of your home. Clearing clutter and adding some houseplants can help reduce stress. While de-cluttering, consider giving your home a deep cleaning as well. In Austin, you’ll likely pay between $117 and $217 to hire a maid service.

Enjoy a Rubdown

Your body and mind can benefit from massage therapy. Massage therapy can help produce sensations of calm, caring, and connection. On top of those pleasant, relaxing feelings, some experts feel massage can help counteract symptoms from numerous chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia, digestive issues, headaches, and temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). A foot massager can provide convenient, soothing relief from sore feet and tired muscles. They’re a portable and inexpensive (one can be purchased for under $40) option, so you can use your machine in the comforts of home at the end of a hard day or take one to the office to stash under your desk.

Increase Your Movement

When you are already busy, adding exercise can feel like one of the most daunting of health-oriented tasks. However, Verywell Fit explains increasing your movement for a few minutes each day can mean living a healthier lifestyle overall. Little things like taking a short walk when you pick up your mail, pacing while you talk on the phone, or doing some vigorous lawn or house chores can make a big impact without taxing your time or energy. Think about how much time you spend sitting through the day. Consider getting out of your chair about once every hour, stretching, walking some stairs, and enjoying a change of scenery.

Eat Great Food

Many people think eating a healthy diet means being uncomfortable and miserable. However, you can eat foods that help you feel full and satisfied, and you don’t need to give up everything you love. One suggestion is to try adding healthy foods to your diet without eliminating all the things you enjoy. For instance, add bell peppers to your list of toppings when you order a pizza, and add fresh fruit to your yogurt. Fruits and vegetables are filling and provide important nutrition, and eating a variety is a key to good health. By making them a bigger part of your diet, you add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, without adding much in the way of calories. You lower your risk for illnesses and diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney stones, without missing a thing. You can feel more full from the addition of nutritious foods, which, in turn, can help you to eat smaller meals and snack less often. When you do snack, choose some healthy and convenient options, such as apples, carrot sticks, or nuts. Keep them on-hand and ready to go, so you don’t need to work or think about it.

Making some simple additions to your days can mean reaping important benefits, such as less stress and added energy. Participate in relaxing activities such as massage and meditation. Up your activity level and add some fruits and vegetables to your meals. You can feel better and enjoy improved health with a few quick and easy changes.

-Guest Article by Jennifer McGregor

Jennifer is a pre-med student, who enjoys writing about health and medical topics and providing reliable health and medical resources for PublicHealthLibrary.org users.