Small Healthier Swaps for 2021

Small Healthier Swaps for 2021

There is no arguing about it, 2020 has been a tough year for most. Indeed, at a time when people are normally brimming with enthusiasm for New Year’s resolutions and making their lifestyle healthier, things are a lot more low key. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can make at least some small positive steps. In fact instead of setting yourself massive and challenging resolutions that are all too easy to fail on, why not try implementing small healthier swaps for 2021?

Small Healthier Swaps for 2021 : Swap Veganuary for one veggie meal a week 

You will have heard and seen a lot about Veganuary on the TV and online, and of course, it’s a super smart idea. After all, when are people most likely to try a major change to the way they eat? 

For many people, the thought of changing every meal they and their families eat for an entire month is a whole lot of work and inconvenience. Not to mention the fact that they may face resistance from family members and discover that it isn’t easy to stick to themselves. That is why instead, doing a less intense version of Vegaunary may be a much better approach. 

Such an approach involves picking a day (or two) each week and eating vegetarian and vegan food then, and normal food for the rest of the time. Of course, the advantages of this approach are many, not least that you can gently ease yourself into this way of eating, which over the long term can help you maintain your momentum and stay successful. 

For anyone considering Veganism, I made the jump in December 2019 and am full vegan now and have never felt healthier.

Small Healthier Swaps for 2021 : Swap quitting smoking cold turkey for using a nicotine replacement

Anyone that has smoked knows that quitting is a tall order, and quitting cold turkey is the toughest way to do things. The good news is that it is also not the only way to quit. This is because there are things like nicotine replacement products that allow smokers to skill receive the chemical that they are addicted to without having to take in all that bad stuff that is in tobacco. 

Indeed, there is a range of products on the market including sprays, patches and lozenges. All of which can be used to gradually reduce the amount of nicotine a person uses and so help them to quit more gently. 

Another similar option is to use a vape pen instead. The great thing about this option is that you get the sense of smoking without taking in all the chemicals in cigarettes. You can also use stores that stock vape supplies to buy delicious tasting liquids. They also come in a range of nicotine strengths so you can use them to wean yourself off entirely over time. 

Joining the gym for walking around your neighbourhood  

Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t join a gym right now because of the lockdown situation. All is not lost, however, because instead of ending up as a January Gym bunny and a February gym casualty why not take the opportunity to start an exercise particle that is more manageable in the long term?

We are talking walking here, either around your neighbourhood or a country park. You may even wish to transition to jogging or running later on as your fitness improves?

Gardening Can Help Improve Your Health

Gardening Can Help Improve Your Health

We all care about our health and wellbeing. We want to stay as fit and healthy as possible. But when we think of activities that help us to achieve this, we tend to think of things that many of us don’t find all too fun. We think of heading to the gym. We think of running on the treadmill, lifting weights, squats, sit-ups and more. But there are plenty of activities out there that are good for your health and wellbeing as well as proving to be a fun hobby. You may be surprised to know that gardening is one of them. Here are just a few ways that gardening can help improve your health.

Burn Calories

When you garden, you burn calories. It’s generally considered a moderate-intensity exercise and it’s thought that one hour’s worth of gardening and light gardening work will burn 330 calories. Activities such as raking leaves, digging up weeds, digging flower beds and more require strength and stamina!

Gardening Can Help Improve Your Health: Get Your Recommended Vitamin D

It’s recommended that we all get vitamin D. Most people get their vitamin D from spending time outdoors. But nowadays, people tend to engage in more indoor activities, such as watching TV, using the laptop and more. By spending time outside gardening on a regular basis, you are much more likely to get your daily recommended dose of vitamin D!

Reduce Your Blood Pressure

Many of us suffer from high blood pressure and there are a number of ways to counteract this. But you may, again, be surprised to know that gardening can help you to reduce your blood pressure. Not only does it provide moderate levels of activity, which help, but engaging with calming gardening like hydroponics can help to reduce stress and blood pressure too!

Gardening Can Help Improve Your Health: Improve Your Grip

If you’re struggling with grip issues, gardening can help! Holding onto tools and completing actions required to trim and prune plants and trees can help to increase your grip and encourage nimbleness of the fingers and hands. This is surprisingly good for your health and wellbeing! Just make sure to always wear good quality gardening gloves to ensure your hands are protected from nettles, stingers and other potentially harmful plants.

Growing Your Own Food Can Be Healthier

When you garden, you can grow almost any plant-based matter. Sure, most people opt for flowers and other beautiful plants. But you could grow your own fruit and vegetables too! Growing your own produce can provide you with a healthy influx of food that is free of additives, preservatives and even pesticides. Using them to make meals incorporating your own fruit and vegetables can encourage you to manage a healthier diet full of all of your necessary vitamins and minerals.

Gardening Can Help Improve Your Health – In Summary

While gardening might not be a sport, it can help with your health, fitness and wellbeing. So, why not incorporate it into your routine? Getting green fingered really can make all the difference!