9 Easy Ways to Lead a Healthier Life

With so many new food, fitness and lifestyle trends on the horizon, it can feel difficult to navigate the changing wellness world. At Green Valley, we believe that being healthy and happy shouldn’t be complicated. Wellness is a journey, and everyone can take small steps each day to be more active and develop habits that benefit the body and mind. Here are a few simple ways you can start working towards a healthier life today. 

Plan Healthy Meals Ahead of Time 
Real life is busy and chaotic. While it’s easy to seek a meal solution like fast food to feed yourself or your family, you may be missing out on nutrients your body needs to flourish.Making a meal plan for each week and buying the necessary ingredients can ensure that you and your family are eating nutritious, satisfying meals without spending extra money on takeout. Use Green Valley organic ingredients like pre-cooked rice, beans, corn, and other veggies to bring together your favorite meals quickly. 

Limit Screen Time 
Social media allows us to connect with friends and family and keep up with current trends. However, it can also be a distraction at work, lead to unhealthy comparisons, and take time away from more productive activities at home. Smartphones also emit blue light, and according to Harvard Medical School, blue light can actually limit melatonin at night and prevent a healthy sleep cycle. Try to avoid blue light two to three hours before bed to fall asleep and stay asleep. 

Monitor your Physical Activity 
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), regular exercise is key to maintaining body weight, lowering blood pressure, reducing risk of osteoporosis and arthritis, and even reducing anxiety and depression. Setting daily or weekly fitness goals for yourself is a good way to hold yourself accountable. Keep track of your activity on a smartwatch or even on your phone to make sure you are moving and making strides. Use exercise as a way to de-stress after a long day, or even as a way to start your day off right in the morning. 

Find a Fitness Activity You Enjoy Doing 
With so many boutique fitness classes, online workout programs, dance classes, apps and online resources, finding a workout you actually enjoy doing is easier than ever. Some people prefer a group/class environment for support during a workout, while others may prefer exercising in the privacy of their own home. Regardless of your preferences, try exploring a workout that you are excited to do each week. When you’re done, enjoy a protein-packed snack like roasted Green Valley organic garbanzo beans to refuel your body as it recovers from exercise.

Drink Plenty of Water 
Seems simple enough, right? As obvious as it seems, most people don’t actually drink enough water during the day. Experts say the average person should drink roughly eight ounces of water eight times a day in order to stay properly hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to work, while running errands, and everywhere else to help meet your daily goal. Drinking water during and after exercising is also important to avoid dehydration and keep muscles energized.

Make Time For You
You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s important to take time during each day to do something that makes you happy. Allow yourself to say “no” when you are too busy, and make a commitment to yourself to take a break when you need it. Give yourself a few moments of calmness after work or before bed. Whether it’s reading a good book, trying a new recipe, or listening to music or a podcast, “me time” can be a great way to recharge, refresh, and stay focused.

Practice Mindfulness 
Mindfulness is the practice of being actively aware of your thoughts, feelings and surroundings. Mindfulness can mean a lot of different things, from being conscious of the food you eat to listening carefully in conversations before responding. Mindfulness allows us to de-stress, and be the best we can be throughout the day. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, allow yourself to take deep breaths before beginning another task. 

Use Organic Ingredients 
The food we choose to put in our bodies plays an active role in our overall health and wellness. At Green Valley, we believe that eating organic veggies, rice and more is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle. Our farmers harvest the best that nature has to offer without using harmful synthetic ingredients and chemicals. Organic food should be accessible for all, which is why we create affordable ingredients that can help your family enjoy delicious, flavorful meals. 

Get More Sleep 
Adequate sleep is just as important as a healthy diet and exercise. The average person needs between 7-9 hours of sleep each night, but it can vary from person to person. Sleep improves your concentration, job performance and productivity. According to Mayo Clinic, going to sleep at the same time each day can help reinforce your body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you have difficulty falling asleep, try listening to soothing music or reading a book to put your mind at ease. If stress tends to keep you up at night, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings by writing in a journal before bed. 

What are some of your favorite ways to stay healthy? Share your thoughts and ideas with us on Facebook and Instagram and we might just share it on our page.