Whenever we approach a new year, a lot of us set goals and resolutions for positive lifestyle changes. Ultimately, we do these things to feel better about ourselves and live healthier, happier lives. And as much as I believe in the power of a reset, I believe MORE in the power of right now. So, I thought I’d share some fundamental lifestyle changes I believe can lead to a much healthier, happier you that you can start right now.   

Basically, we are living our lives overstimulated with pleasure-filled activities, and this pleasure is making us unhappy. Pleasure does not create happiness; it does the opposite. It builds tolerance and creates addiction, meaning we rely more and more on things out of our control to feel good. Happiness on the other hand, is found internally, and there are certain things you can do to experience this genuine serenity. Here are 5 things to start doing right now to live a healthier and happier life.

1. Start practicing minimalism. Spending money feels great in the moment. It literally releases the hormone dopamine, so your neurons get excited with temporary pleasure. But eventually that rush of feel-good goes away, and you are left even more unhappy than before (and that bank account suffers with you). Saving money leads to happiness, and minimalism creates space to live a more intentional life. Focus on buying things you only truly need and keep your home simple and fresh. Think of the most important things in your life, what they mean to you, and then use that feeling when considering a new purchase. Does that item make you feel the same way as your most cherished possessions? If not, skip it and keep that money in the bank.

2. Get your 10,000 steps every day. The human body is designed for walking incredible amounts every single day. It is the one exercise you can do anywhere, anytime, for free, and there are SO many different ways to get these steps in. Park your car far away. Go for a walk on your lunch break. Have a walking meeting. Start evening and weekend walks with your friends or family. Take the stairs. The benefits of such a simple “exercise” are unbelievable. According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking can improve blood circulation, minimize bone loss, improve mood and attitude, strengthen joints and muscles, and promote healthy weight management. An article written by Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School explains that walking can reduce the risk of breast cancer, boost your immune system, and even calm a sweet tooth. My best advice to accomplish your 10,000 steps? Always keep a pair of socks and shoes in your car or under your desk so there are no excuses to get moving.

3. Stop eating processed foods. There is a point in time when you start to evaluate how much your health means to you. Most of the time, this happens after a serious health crisis already occurs. “A healthy person has one thousand wishes, but a sick person has only one.” - Agnes Karll Schwest Krankenpfleger. Why are we waiting until it’s almost too late to start making our health the priority? Money, work, and family cannot come first when you aren’t well enough to enjoy them. Fortunately, the demand for natural, organic food is growing each day. Farmer’s markets are expanding, organic food items are more available in grocery stores, and the general awareness of unethical and unhealthy farming and food manufacturing practices is spreading. The time to change your diet is now. You must remember, as a consumer, you are in charge. Your health should be that most cherished thing in your life, in which case it is okay to spend. Spend the money on the local, organic produce now. Buy the wholesome food now. This will increase the demand, which will drive the need for supply, which will eventually create more competition among these healthy options and bring prices down for everyone. And if this doesn’t happen, keep making the items you put inside your body, the body that gives your spirit a home and keeps you functioning from day to day, a TOP priority.

4. Go outside each day. We are not designed to be couped up inside all day, every day, yet it is so easy to find ourselves doing this with the demands of everyday life. Our bodies crave the outdoors and need a healthy amount of sunlight to stay healthy and strong. The benefits of spending even 10 minutes outside each day are monumental and go beyond a little vitamin D. Spending even a short amount of time outside can lessen anxiety and help you feel more relaxed, improve your quality of sleep, boost your creativity, and even improve focus. When you spend time outside, you are most likely doing something somewhat active, from gardening to a nice walk to a hike… or you may be socializing with friends or family (another important aspect of health). Regardless of how active or relaxed you may be while outside, sunlight, especially in the morning, can give you the beneficial boost you need to make each day a healthy one.

5. Have faith. Whatever this means to you. Focus on your spiritual health. Meditate, pray, or simply live your life with gratitude and a sense of abundance. You are enough. What you have is enough. Personally, strengthening my relationship with God allows me to live life with compassion, love, and acceptance. I can live my life with purpose and tranquility. This faith allows me to make healthy decisions with confidence. This faith allows me to live with minimalism because I feel fulfillment without anything extra. This faith allows me to believe in the journey and continue moving forward despite life obstacles. Most importantly, this faith allows me to love myself and therefore, love my husband and daughter with a full heart, which has been the most incredible love of my life. Whatever spiritual means for you (it can be anything that allows you to think bigger than yourself), embrace it, honor it, and make it a priority in your life.

So, there you have it. Five things totally within your control that can lead you to a healthier, happier you. Stop buying things on impulse, walk more, eat fresh produce, go outside each day, and embrace your spiritual side. I’m not saying it will be easy, but it is definitely doable with some inner strength and focus. Now, let’s go release that serotonin and live with smooth and steady tranquility.