In a time where we’re all more health conscious than we might otherwise be, I’ve been looking for easy healthy choices that I can make. I’ve been tracking my macronutrients, and I’m losing some weight, but for me, a big part of my goals is simply to live healthier: more energy, clarity, better sleep, more stamina… you get the idea.

And so, today: 5 health hacks you haven’t thought of yet. These are simple, easy habits that will help you seamlessly gain health without taking up a lot of your precious time and energy

1. Swap out the coffee creamer. Hear me out: I have started swapping out my Starbucks order, and often my at home coffee, for a doppio espresso over ice. I order it like this “2 shots of espresso over ice in a venti cup”. It’s 2.25 at my Starbucks. When I get it, I take a premier protein shake and dump it on top, and I SWEAR TO YOU it tastes just like iced coffee or an iced latte. I’ve tried vanilla, caramel and cookies and cream, and I love ALL OF THEM, but Vanilla is my go to. There’s also a pumpkin spice shake that I’m excited to get my hands on and try for Fall! At home, I pour in about 4-6 ounces of cold brew coffee and then add the shake. Super tasty and creamy!

2. Get a water bottle with a straw and keep it in eyesight. I also find that temperature makes a big difference to me when I’m trying to drink water, but the thing that seems to help the most is the straw and being able to see it. Especially with my mask on, it’s easy to grab a sip and keep moving if I have a straw!

My 32oz hydro flask + the straw top I got on Amazon!

3. Get up and move a little every hour. Now, I don’t mean take a 10 minute walk. Just get out of your chair. Even if you just stand up, bend your knees a little and roll your shoulders, you’re increasing some blood flow and waking your brain up! For extra credit, squeeze in a few tiny walks throughout your day- sometimes I take the long way to wherever I’m going, for example, or I park in the back of the parking lot at the store. I also try to make myself get up off the couch in between every episode when I’m watching (ok, binging) TV. Again, I just get up on my feet for something, whether it’s a snack break, a trip to the bathroom, or just a stretch.

4. Take deep breaths. Deep breathing will help slow your heart rate, calm you down, and help you check in with how you are feeling. I try to practice mindfulness every morning, but I also stop and take a few good breaths several times throughout the day. Sometimes I just keep working, and sometimes I stop for a minute, but either way, I feel my ribs and back expand and release, and I am calmer afterward!

5. Last but not least, choose quality sleep. It isn’t always possible for me to get an uninterrupted 8 hours, so whatever sleep I do get needs to be good sleep. For me, that means putting my phone down, making sure it is cool in my bedroom, and committing to my sleep. Once I go to bed and turn the light out, I put my phone on do not disturb (my favorites can still get through in case of emergency), I settle into my bed for the night, and I lay still and quiet and put myself to sleep. Sometimes it takes longer than others, and frankly, it doesn’t work every single night! But I make myself lie still with my eyes shut and my breathing steady for at least 10 minutes before I move. Generally speaking, just the act of laying still and telling myself to sleep helps get me off to dreamland.

So, there you are! Hopefully these feel attainable to you. If you feel overwhelmed, just start with one of these. Before you know it, you’ll be rocking all 5 and feeling amazing.

Talk to you soon,

Charis