Little Life Alterations

There’s always talk of ways to improve the quality of your life, but they can often feel like massive adjustments that you don’t have the time, commitment or headspace to take on. Maybe you really want to get fitter, but don’t have the time to make sure you get your money’s worth at the gym. Perhaps your unhealthy diet is bugging you, but you’re stuck in the rut of a student budget and easy eating habits.

Here are some little life alterations that you can incorporate into your day-to-day routine. They’re so small you can weave them into what you already do, but they have endless benefits which will have you feeling nearer to ten out of ten every day.

By Rahel Girma

1.

Drink more water

Every other Instagram icon is claiming it as their miracle skin-care solution, but apparently, 89% of the population aren’t drinking enough water – with around 16% drinking no water at all! At least 2-2.5 litres a day is crucial in maintaining bodily functions, regulating body temperature and carrying nutrients to vital organs. It also increases concentration and alertness, reduces cramps and boosts your metabolism. As well as contributing to clearer skin and healthier hair and nails, it can also bring fresher breath and a better sex life, by increasing your libido, bodily fluids and improving the smell of sweat! Get a reusable bottle to keep track of how much you’re drinking, avoiding single-use plastic.

2.
Less social media

If you’re a young person today, you probably have a love-hate relationship with social media. We hate it, but we also can’t help but scroll and post and keep track of who’s watched our stories. We’re addicted and it’s slowly rotting our cells. This isn’t to say it doesn’t have its benefits – it connects us to loved ones, is a learning tool and keeps less able-bodied people connected to the outside world. However, it’s likely that you spend too much time on it. The most damaging hour of this distraction epidemic is just before bed. Scrolling before sleeping lowers the quality of sleep we have and reduces our productiveness the following day. Social media also brings an infinity of filtered pouts, holidays and nights out of everyone you’ve ever met. This throws a lot of toxicity into our lives because we’re constantly subconsciously comparing our lives to the fabricated highlights of other’s. Spare yourself the anxiety and have a break, at least before bed. Have a screen-free hour before sleeping for deep sweet dreams.

3.
App fitness

The modern world allows us to do a whole workout with a personal instructor without spending a dime or leaving the comfort of our own homes. Yoga has been taken over by white women before brunch on a Sunday, but they didn’t take it for no reason – the health benefits are unignorable. Just 20 minutes a day can improve your focus and mental clarity, as well as increase your stamina and flexibility. And it can be free! There’s a myriad of apps which have beginner’s sessions as short as 5 minutes, such as Down Dog, Yoga – Poses and Classes and 5 Minute Yoga. And if yoga isn’t really your thing, there’s loads of other quick fitness apps with a range of short workout sessions, such as Nike Training Club and 7 Minute Workout. These can give you that little buzz of alertness and endorphins without you having to fork out time and money at the gym.

4.
Eat less meat

The fashionable fad of being food aware is often sneered at, but that doesn’t make it any less justified. You don’t have to go completely vegan if you feel that is too drastic or unattainable, but just being mindful of the amount of meat you are consuming can have a huge impact on the environment and your physical and mental wellbeing. Cutting down reduces the risk of high blood pressure, several cancers, diabetes and improves weight loss, skin problems, increases energy levels and will have you smelling, tasting and feeling better and less sluggish! Never mind the money saving and all the environmental impacts that would make you feel better by clearing your conscience.

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