Sometimes when you choose a path in life that isn’t the most traveled, the journey may feel a little lonely. So when you come across your people, it can feel like a family reunion. When Jennifer McGregor reached out to share her perspective on small changes you can make to live a more rewarding life, we just knew we had found our people and this information needed to be shared! So we are so honored to have her as a guest writer for this blog entry.

The human body is a remarkable machine. It has evolved with all the tools we need to be strong, healthy, and happy. From our muscles to our ability to cope with loss, the mind and body work in perfect unison in reaction to all that life throws at us, but only when we give it what it needs to thrive. If you aren’t feeding yourself well, getting enough sleep, and staying active, then you let your body down, and it may fail you when you need it most.

If you aren’t already making health a priority, it’s time to start. You don’t have to uproot your entire existence, but a few small lifestyle changes can start you down a lifelong path toward wellness.

Create a Calm Environment

There’s a strong link between clutter and mental health. Studies show that a cluttered home can produce the stress hormone called cortisol. People who lead busy lives find that addressing the clutter can be difficult to fit into their schedules. But it’s very important to make time for it if you want to promote serenity in your home.

One good way to declutter is to have someone help you. Getting rid of things that are valuable to you can be challenging if you do it alone. However, when someone else holds an item of yours and asks what you want to do with it, you can be more certain of your decision than if you were to pick up the item yourself. When you’re done organizing your home, you can hire a cleaning service to give it a deep clean. In Knoxville, it costs between $109 and $228 for a maid service.

Addressing the Air

The air in your home plays a huge role in your health. If you have asthma or allergies, the things that you breathe in when indoors can make you feel even worse than you should. Address the issue of air quality by finding a high-quality air filter for your home. Look for one with a high MERV rating — the higher the rating, the better it traps particles in the air — and preferably one with a warranty. If your home’s air is excessively moist, a dehumidifier can also help eliminate allergens such as dust mites and mold.

Sleep Soundly

If you aren’t focused, feel tired all day, and tend to be generally cranky, you may be sleep deprived. Don’t try to fight your body’s natural resting period. Get at least seven hours of sleep every night. In addition to keeping the air clear and appropriately humid, make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet and avoid caffeine and alcohol for three to four hours before settling in.

Watch What You Eat

Food really is medicine, and it’s the best way to prevent many major health conditions. Eating well can stave off diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. Superfoods, such as honey and blueberries, are especially important to your daily diet. Honey is a healthy source of carbohydrates and may help with weight loss. Berries are high in antioxidants, which Medical Daily asserts may lower your chances of getting cancer. They have also been shown to improve heart health.

The bulk of your food intake should be non-processed foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Lean proteins and complex carbohydrates from sources such as chicken and whole grains are likewise important. Cutting as much sugar as possible from your meals can also improve your health, as well as reduce the chances of cavities and gum disease, which can also lead to problems with depression and self-confidence.

You know you need to keep up your home so it protects you and gives you a comfortable place to live. You should likewise maintain your body. By doing small things, such as decluttering, clearing the air, eating better foods, and getting enough sleep, you put yourself first and give your body what it needs to thrive.

Image via Pixabay