Saturday, January 10, 2009

Healthy LifeStyle from MsN

What can be done to help people change?

Everyone talks about achieving it, but most people have plenty of excuses as to why they can’t, won’t, or don’t want to change their current status. The most common excuse people make for not trying to have a healthy lifestyle is “a lack of time.” Have you ever said to yourself, “Oh, I’m tired, I don’t have time to exercise?” or “I don’t feel like cooking dinner tonight; let’s just get some fast food.”

Yes Dorothy, excuses are real and they are contagious.

Time and health always seem to be at odds with each other. We have time to work, time to commute, time for our business associates, but very little time to spend on ourselves, people we love, or even random people who deserve our attention.

What can you do in 10 minutes or less?

More than you think. In a brief 10 minute window you can release tension, prevent future frustrations, get your blood flowing, etc. In fact, here are 50 things you can do. With time out as an excuse, what are you going to begin doing differently tomorrow? I don't care what it is, the point is, just do something!

Here are some ideas. If you have other thoughts, leave them in the comments!
1. Brush your teeth

2. Do 15 sit-ups

3. Read the health news headlines of the day

4. Straighten your posture

5. Eat an apple

6. Stand up and stretch

7. Send a friendly email to a friend

8. Resist the impulse purchase of a candy bar

9. Post an inspirational quote on Twitter

10. Do 10 lunges

11. Drink a glass of water

12. Smile

13. Put a package of oatmeal in your pocket or purse for a healthy breakfast or snack

14. Throw a bottle of water in there as well

15. Plug your cell phone into the charger

16. Pay a bill online

17. Ask to have your salad dressing on the side

18. Start a dollar jar to be added to once per day

19. Open a window

20. Say thank you to someone who deserves it

21. Take a deep breath

22. Put on your seat belt

23. Wake up 10 minutes earlier

24. Post a comment on a blog

25. Turn off the lights when you’re the last one out

26. Put on your make-up (this usually pertains to the ladies, but hey, whatever makes you happy)

27. Share a healthy recipe

28. Give your mother a call

29. Wash your hands

30. Put on hand lotion

31. Check your blood pressure

32. Jog in place for 9 minutes

33. Throw away that pen that doesn’t work

34. Take a canvas tote bag to the grocery store

35. Ask a friend to join you for a healthy dinner

36. Put down the remote control and get up to change the TV channel

37. Hug your kids

38. Replace your next cup of coffee with a cup of tea

39. Lay out your clothes for the next day

40. Put your car keys in the same place everyday

41. Take a 10 minute break

42. Suck on a breath mint

43. Add a little pepper to your salad

44. Load the dishwasher

45. Play FreeRice for 5 minutes

46. Take a quick walk

47. Prepare your coffee maker the night before

48. Skip your late evening grocery store run

49. While watching TV, do 5 push-ups during the commercial

50. Read this list over again and count how many things pertain to you
These things take no time at all but they all could ensure a positive day and a healthier lifestyle. How many of these do you or can you do in a day? What other things can you add to the list?

Whatever you choose to do, make your day healthier and happier. If you can, do the same for someone else too, because, after all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

Written on 4/09/2008 by Shelly DeVous.

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