5 ways to move to a healthy lifestyle and not torture yourself

1. Take up any sport

Try running, doing yoga, swimming, or playing sports. Any physical activity is better than no physical activity. If you’re already doing something but are not seeing results, increase the number of training sessions or try something new.

Ideally, you need to combine strength and cardio training. For example, run and do exercises with weights a couple of times a week (your own body weight, dumbbells, barbell will do). Or go in for a sport that combines different loads, such as crossfit, martial arts, sports games.

If you're a beginner at all, try different things until you find something you like. Then choose a training program, team or coach to gradually improve.

2. Get enough sleep

Whole industries have been built around selling goods to those who lack energy. Buy vitamins, supplements and energy drinks, specialty gadgets, and inspirational books. Or you can just get enough sleep.

If you regularly sleep for six hours or less, naturally, you will run out of energy. Most people need 7-9 hours of night rest. When you get enough sleep, many of your health and vitality problems can be resolved. To do this, try changing your morning and evening routines.

3. Don't eat nonsense

There are a lot of healthy food options, and it makes no sense to look for the only right one. Almost all of them suggest eating more vegetables and fruits and limiting sugar and fast food. If you don't need to lose weight, just stick to this plan.

If you want to lose weight, keep in mind that all diets are built on the same principle: reducing the calories consumed. Everything else is a matter of personal preference. Someone is more comfortable sitting on a keto diet, which is high in fat, others prefer short-term fasting, and still others prefer the classic approach with restricting fat. Choose a diet that is right for you and stick to it. And do not forget that diet is more important for weight loss than exercise: it will not help if you overeat all the time.

4. Reduce stress levels

If you are constantly stressed, it will be more difficult for you to follow the previous tips. You can try meditation and other relaxation techniques. But the main thing is to understand what causes it.

Are you overworking and running out of time to recover? Or are you worried about your finances? Or maybe you are caring for a small child or a sick relative? Even if you can't change your life situation right now, you can find ways to better deal with stressors.

Think about what you can change to get a little more rest. Look for something that pleases you and energizes you. Try to rearrange your routine to find more time for yourself. If you have serious problems, see a psychotherapist. This is more beneficial than trying to heal yourself with meditation and other life hacks.

5. Don't try to change everything at once

If you want to start exercising at the same time, completely change your diet and habits, most likely you will fail. Remember how you tried to change your life since January or Monday, but soon gave up. Act gradually.

Select one sphere and change one thing in it. For example, start going to workouts twice a week and see if you like it. Once you get used to it, look for healthy lunch recipes and cook them to take to work. After each such innovation, evaluate what has changed. Are you feeling better? Do you want to continue? What prevents you from moving forward? Gradually, you will quietly begin to live a healthier life.