Change with the Leaves
- dnc4joy
- Oct 22, 2015
- 3 min read
"Just like seasons, people have the ability to change." (Gossip Girl)
There’s a winding road in Columbia that is lined with trees on either side, and it is so beautiful in the fall because you’ll see a gradual change from green to reds, oranges, and browns. While driving through you are surrounded by the brilliance, and it fills me with awe because the change of color is so full of life!
And that’s exactly what I want you to change into: A person full of life and color. It’s time to quit making excuses, putting in effort then quitting, and pretending not to care. It’s time to change with the leaves and change your lifestyle into a healthier one. This means three things: 1) Eating Right. 2) Staying Active. and 3) Balancing your Life.
Choose to change your meal plan into a nutritious one. Here are a few main tips. Take sugar out of your daily meals. Despite the great taste, sugar does nothing but practically sit in your body. You can always back down on your bread intake as well, or choose to eat wheat bread rather than white. Add vegetables and fruit to every meal, and strive to make these your go-to snacks. It’s amazing how much healthier your body feels by eating these two nutritious foods. Most importantly, try to keep your meals balanced, both in nutrients and in size.
*Plan out your meals and buy the groceries needed before every week, so you will feel obligated to stick to your plan.
Stay active! As the weather starts to get colder and colder, it can be less appealing to go to the gym or workout at home. But you need to! The more you sit around, the easier it will become, especially when all you want to do is snuggle in a blanket and watch Netflix. For those who aren’t in the habit of working out on a regular basis, it’s time to choose an active lifestyle. Maybe you don’t have time for a huge workout, and that’s fine. But do one workout every day, whether it’s ten minutes or an hour. Every little step will eventually turn into bigger steps of progress.
*Be active wherever you are! If you work at a desk, tap your feet. If you’re driving, contract your ab muscles. If you’re talking on the phone with a friend, take a walk. You can be active in almost any situation.
Lastly, work to balance your life. This means taking time to sleep and taking time for yourself in the midst of a busy life. I know about being busy. I know about spending every minute of every day wrapped in stress and a crazy schedule. And let me tell you… it’s horrible! Your body wears down and eventually you just become a cranky person. Try your best to get a full 6 ½ to 8 hours of sleep every night to stay energized. Time for yourself is extremely important, because it allows you to relieve stress and keep your physical and mental areas in check. Some relieve stress by hanging out with friends and others are physically active. Take at least thirty minutes out of your day for yourself. Whether you enjoy reading, watching a TV show, or spending time outside, doing something that you love on a daily basis will benefit your overall health.
*Buy a planner if you don’t use one already. Planners will organize your life and allow you to add in stress relieving activities and time for yourself.
Change your lifestyle by changing with the leaves this fall! Strive to eat nutritious meals, decide to be daily active, and organize your life to balance a busy life with time for yourself. By working at these three areas, you will feel healthier and happier.
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