Ever wonder if there was a magic 'happy switch' that you could just turn on and you would be happy? Unfortunately, if there was, we would already know where it was. However, there are some ways to change your lifestyle that will make you happier in the long run. It will be a gradual process as your body slowly gets used to your new lifestyle, but its just that, a new lifestyle and not the next fad that will fizzle.

I will give you some tips on each lifestyle change in a more easy and gradual way that you can incorporate them into your lifestyle.

Get 6- 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night.
It is amazing how much we need sleep. It is not always easy for those us of us that have busy schedules or have a difficult time sleeping without getting up in the middle of the night. Here are a few ideas on how to get a more restful sleep:
  • Take a bath before bed- put essential oils or bubbles in there if you have any.
  • Don't drink any alcohol or caffeinated product before bed. Instead, drink chamomile or green tea.
  • Instead of exercising at night, exercise in the morning. This gives you time to cool down the rest of the day.
  • Try and do some meditation before bed. If you are too busy for 10-15 minutes of meditation, try breathing exercises.
  • Make sure you have a dark, and if possible, quiet, sleeping area. A mask and earplugs can be very useful when trying to sleep.
  • Finish eating at least 4 hours before you sleep.

Get exercising if you aren't already.
Exercising will give you more energy through the day. Another great thing about exercise is that it creates more endorphins, which make you happy.
  • If you have enough time, go to the gym and do aerobics for 30 minutes three times a week. Most gyms offer classes like yoga or spinning.
  • Incorporate exercise into your daily life- park farther from the store and walk, walk up stairs instead of taking the elevator, walk to the water cooler to drink water more often, etc.
  • Do a few sets or reps of weight training on commercial breaks from your favorite TV show. Wake up and stretch every morning and stretch on breaks as well.

Eat more healthy foods.
This is pretty straightforward. If you eat good food, you feel healthier; if you feel healthier, you feel happier.
  • Eat smaller portions. And more of them spread all through the day. This will speed up your metabolism.
  • Drink more water. To make it taste better, put some lemon or vanilla extract in it.
  • Instead of ice cream, eat low fat yogurt with berries on top of it. And instead of chips or candy bars, eat nuts or baby tomatoes.
  • Eat on smaller plates.
  • If you have a family, make it fun- have them help you out with dinner and show them how to prepare some delicious low fat dishes.
  • Chew gum or brush your teeth often- you won't be as tempted to eat when your not hungry.
  • If possible, eat only at the table or work room so you will be more conscious of what your eating.
  • Tell a friend about your plan so that they can give you moral support or a good recipe.
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