5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health and Happiness

by Jaclyn Lentini

We’re all busy, but that is no excuse to ignore YOU!  Now-a-days between work, kids, friends, more work, dinner time, family time and the list goes on and on you ask yourself, “Who has time to workout?”   I’m here to tell you that you do.  Investing in yourself as little as 30 minutes a day will help you move towards a healthier mind and body.  You will find yourself to be more balanced and happy.  It’s funny, we as mothers, wives, and girlfriends find that we give so much of ourselves to everyone else without taking a step back to ask “What have I given ME today?”

After being in the fitness industry for over 10 years I’ve learned a lot from colleagues, clients, and friends. All of whom lead busy lives, but realize that in order to maintain their wellbeing they each take at least 30 minutes everyday for their own health.

I’m going to share with you my 5 tips on how you can take time everyday to invest in your health and happiness.

Tip # 1:  Start your day early!

When you wake up earlier than your hubby and kids you will have the best ME time of the day. You’re refreshed from a good nights sleep and will have the most

amount of energy of the entire day.  I always enjoying having a cup of coffee or tea prior to my morning workouts as this will help you feel refreshed and alert during your workout. Put on your yoga pants, tee-shirt, sneakers, and smile and go for a brisk walk, jog, or run outside!

Tip # 2:  Pack a lunch!

A healthy diet is key in living a balanced life.  If your lunches consist of McDonalds or pizza I’m sure by the time 2pm comes around you are falling asleep at your

desk. Having that piece of birthday cake from Suzie’s office birthday party also doesn’t help, as you’ve just spiked your insulin levels and once depleted from your body you will crash.  A healthy lunch consisting of protein, whole-grain, fruits, & veggies will fill you up and offer a continuous amount of energy all day. An easy, good-for-you lunch is a turkey sandwich with whole-grain bread, lettuce, tomato, bell pepper (sub any veggies you want), with a side of fruit (not a cup of sugary fruit, but rather a whole fruit such as an apple, kiwi, banana etc), and bottled water.  If you are not a fan of drinking plain water I love putting fresh lemon slices in my water or you can even try the individual packets of Crystal Light.  Pack your lunch the night before so you are all set in the morning to grab and go!

Tip # 3:  Park far and take the steps!

Do you know on average a person’s stride length is 2.5 feet long? That means the average person would need to walk 2,000 steps to complete one mile and

almost 10,000 steps to complete five miles.  Seems like a lot of steps, huh!  The more you walk throughout the day the better.  Take the approach of “each step counts.” If you’re going to the mall or food store park as far away (within reason of course) as you can and enjoy the extra walk. When you pull into the parking lot of your office, park in the last spot farthest from the entry and enjoy the extra steps.  And, always take the steps rather than the elevator.

Tip # 4:  What is your passion?

Do you enjoy reading? Do you enjoy walking? Do you enjoy helping charities? What is YOUR passion?  I’m not asking for the polite answer, but I’m rather asking for the selfish answer.  You have the rite to be selfish about something. Something that is all yours and that nobody else can share.  Something that if you could give everything up for at least 30 minutes a day you would want to do.  No matter what your answer now is the time to begin enjoying your passion everyday!  Don’t let another year pass and allow yourself to say, “Well, I’ll get around to doing it sometime.”  Your sometime is now.

Tip # 5:  Exercise how-to’s!

Now that you are balanced, less stressed, and eating healthier I want to share with you a few exercises that you can do at home or in the gym. Let’s get those legs moving and arms pumping so you can maintain lean, sexy, and healthy muscle!  Complete each exercise without resting, then take a 1 minute rest, and repeat.  Repeat this circuit 3 to 5 times.

A) Squats: Stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Do not lean forward. Keep your chest high and abs tight. Lower your body down to a 90 degree angle so your butt is in alignment with your knees. Then, push up from your heels until you’re standing straight up. Repeat 20 times.

B) Shoulders:  Stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Using a exercise band, hold each handle, stand on the middle of the band for resistance, and push your arms above your head until your arms are completely straight and shoulder width apart. Slowly lower your arms down to your side. Repeat 20 times.

C) Abs:  Bicycle crunches are a favorite. These target all of your abdominal muscles and when completed at a moderate-pace are effective. Lay flat on your back. Put your hands behind your head and look towards the ceiling. Now, pull your left elbow forward while pulling up your right leg. Allow your left elbow to touch your right knee. Hold for 2 seconds while crunching your abdominals.  Return to your flat lying position and repeat with your opposite arm and leg. Repeat 20 times.

I hope my 5 tips will help you achieve a happier and healthier you!  Finding balance in life is what a majority of us strive for. It’s certainly possible and when you begin to invest time in yourself you will surely see a change in how the rest of your life falls into balance.  Rise early, plan ahead, take strides, support your passion, and get that heart pumping!

Thanks for reading & best of luck!

Jaclyn Lentini is the owner of Fit-Addict competitor coaching, J2 Fitness Bootcamp instructor, & Fitness Life Coach.  She resides in New Jersey.  Make sure you visit her website and follow her on twitter.