Simple Ingredients for Healthier, Happier Living...Part C

Okay, here are the last 3 ingredients in the "recipe" for healthier, happier living. It all makes sense, doesn't it?! We've all heard this stuff before, now is the time to start embracing it and making it all part of our daily lives.

8. Manage Stress
Most people can’t escape stress. While some stress can actually be beneficial, such as revving up your heart rate up during aerobic exercise for good heart health, negative stressors, such as balancing high demands at work with a busy family life, can increase your risk for disease, compromise your daily activity and cause you to eat more. So, finding a stress release is critical. The trick is to learn what’s right for you. Mind-body exercises, such as yoga, Pilates and meditation are proven remedies. For others, removing themselves from a stressful environment, even for a few minutes, such as taking a walk and enjoying time alone, can make a significant difference.

9. Sleep/Rest
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30 percent of Americans habitually get less than six hours of sleep a night, which is far less than the recommended seven to nine hours; an estimated 50 to 70 million people suffer from sleep disorders or sleep loss.The National Sleep Foundation offers the following tips for a good night’s rest:
• Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, even on weekends.
• Develop a sleep ritual: A hot bath, drinking a cup of herbal tea or reading a book just before bed can cue your body to settle down for the night
• Exercise regularly to relieve tension, but not too close to bedtime
• Cut down on stimulants and avoid smoking or drinking
• Unwind early in the evening and try to make a to-do-list for tomorrow so you won’t think about it all night.
• Try relaxation exercises before bedtime
• Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress
• Create a restful sleep environment such as a dark, quiet room without noise
• Make sleep a priority

10. Joy
Make sure to take time each day to be with people, go to places and do things that make you laugh and happy.

All right everyone, you now have all of the "ingredients" to creating a healthier and happier life...now let's get to it. Make it happen!