I am always looking for ways to improve my health.

This post is kind of a motivational kick in the pants for me. As I am typing this, I am eating a bowl of pasta and drinking a Coca-Cola. While not the unhealthiest combination, it’s not the healthiest either. I’ve been a kind of a rut lately, and while I generally try and stay cognizant of what I put into my body, this summer has been a little different.

The stress of life and the ends and outs of my being a chauffeur (yay summer break) has taken a toll on me. Although there are days where I am able to actually take my own advice and make sure I am implementing my self-care practices regularly, I will be the first to admit that there are weeks that go by when I don’t do it at all.

So where does this lead me?

Unfortunately for me, it has led me right to funkville. Meaning, not only is my mental well-being lacking, but physically, I just feel like pure crap.

What am I (and what can you) do about it?

In an effort to get my house in order (meaning my physical, mental and emotional self), I jotted down a list of things that I (and you can do) right now to get back on track to being healthy, and feeling like yourself once again.

Start working out

If you don’t already have some type of workout routine, now is a good time to start one. If you have one, and it isn’t quite as consistent as it needs to be, then now is the time to figure out what you can do to set a workout schedule. If you have a local yoga studio or cardio studio (such as cycling or rowing), scheduling a class or two is a great way to get into a regular routine.

Drink more water

This really should have been number one, but honestly, this should go without saying anyway. I have a gallon jug of water that I *try* and drink every day. I don’t always do it, but at least 3-4 days a week I do. Now I don’t recommend the gallon for everyone, I spend a lot of time outside, so I like to stay extra hydrated. If you have a hard time giving up sugary drinks, I started off by telling myself that I couldn’t have a soda until I drank at least 4 glasses of water. After about a week and a half (ya’ll this was hard), I finally got to the point where I didn’t need sodas anymore.

Meal Plan

Meal planning is a surefire way to ensure you are eating healthy. Not only is meal planning great for disabling poor eating habits, it also does wonders for your grocery bill as well.

Self-care

This is something everyone needs to do no matter what situation they are in. Self-care does wonders for your mental, emotional and physical health. Even if you can’t get in hour long massages once a week, simply five minutes of meditation or even a hot bath will do the trick.

Smile

Yes, this really will make you feel better. Try it…(I bet you just smiled didn’t you!?).

Correct your posture

By improving your posture and strengthening your spine, you are opening up your lungs and it does wonders to improve your mood. If you’ve ever been in a funk, you may slouch just a bit. Try readjusting your posture and see what happens.

Natasha Brown

Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.

www.themotherhustlerblog.com