By Jennifer Scott
If all you do is sleep, work, eat, and repeat, then you’re doing yourself a huge injustice. You’re also probably bored out of your mind and engaging in unhealthy lifestyle choices. However, this is America — you have free will, which means you can make the decision to do something for yourself that will change everything. But it is as they say: Nothing worth having ever comes easy. The following life changes are perfect examples.
Exercise
Be honest with yourself: Do you really exercise? And no, simply walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator doesn’t count. Anytime you move your body is important, but heart-rate-raising movement takes some effort, and it’s not always easy. Prioritizing your physical well-being is a lifestyle change that requires dedication, determination, and perseverance. Fitness Blender’s before-and-after stories can serve as an inspiration to get started. Speaking of getting started, there is no better day than today.
So, commit to getting fit by first talking to your doctor about your overall health. Schedule an appointment for a full physical, which should include a top-to-bottom exam and blood work. When you have the all-clear to exercise, dedicate at least 10 minutes every day to working out, and then increase this up to about 120 minutes each week total. If you’re not taking one already, ask your doctor if you should be taking a multivitamin and for any brand recommendations. A quality multivitamin can strengthen your immune system, improve bone health, and give you an energy boost.
Get a Dog
Everyone knows that pets are good for kids, but our furry friends extend benefits to us grown folks, too. Having a dog can lower your blood pressure and stave off loneliness. And if you are recovering from drug or alcohol abuse or reeling from the death of a loved one, your pet can give you a sense of purpose and a reason to go on. But dogs, even when fully grown, are not a hands-off responsibility. They require your time and attention, whether it’s taking them for a walk after dinner or shuttling them back and forth to the vet for their own annual wellness check.
Before bringing home a new companion, make sure to be ready for their arrival. A quick visit to your local pet store will reveal a host of basic supplies, including food, a bed, and lots of toys. You may also want to invest in a training collar, which delivers a gentle little tingle to their neck or a light beeping noise to redirect attention when you are working on new training activities.
Move Across the Country
When you are stuck in a rut, it might feel as though you can’t get out. However, get out you must, and one of the best ways to do this is to pack up and move. Elite Daily writer Rachel Chapman did just that, and she says she’s a better person for it. Not only does relocating give you a change of scenery, but it will also help you meet new people and is the surest path out of your comfort zone, where growth rarely takes place.
Plan your move at least a few months ahead of time. Research moving companies, if applicable, and look for a roommate if you can’t afford to live on your own in your preferred city. Don’t forget to give plenty of notice to your current landlord — or parents — and host a yard sale. This is a great way to lighten your load and attain a quick stash of cash to help you get established in your new hometown.
This is only a small sampling of big life changes that you can choose. Give yourself the power to redirect the course of your life, whether it’s by getting fit, moving across the country, or something a little less daunting, like getting a puppy. You won’t regret it, and you’ll come out on the other end of change with a new perspective on life.
