Health Hacks #1

I've been thinking of adding a new series here.  Small steps to add to your month to bring more health and happiness to your days.  These are small things that over time can have a huge impact.1.  Don't think about it, just do it.  Believe it or not, I'm  not talking about exercise.  I'm talking about getting out of bed in the morning.  I get it, you do NOT want to get out of bed in the mornings.  Even the best morning person has a morning,  or many mornings,  when you just want to snuggle back under the covers and stay.  On those mornings, don't think about it, just do it.  Don't allow  yourself the time to lie there and think about how you don't want to get up.  If you allow yourself to go there, you are setting yourself up for failure.  You will wallow and hit the snooze button and roll over and stew and when you finally force yourself to put your feet on the floor you are starting off behind, sluggish and unhappy.   Instead, think like the Nike mantra, Just Do It.  I'm not saying this will solve all your problems, or magically make you a morning person, but it will help you take that first step each day.2.  Be Prepared.  Be like a girl scout or boy scout.  When you are out running errands, or at work all day, or doing all the crazy, running around things you do on a typical day, have a healthy snack with you AT ALL TIMES.  The other day I had a wonderful box of apples delivered.  I saved a few to share with my clients.  As I handed over my gift of an afternoon snack to  one of my clients, she dutifully pulled out an apple from her own purse.  She had already come prepared!  I always try to keep something with me to ward off the slump or onset of hanger and the temptation to grab something at a drive thru or convenience store.  Typically you can find a Kind Bar, Quest Bar or piece of fruit in my purse or car.  This is an easy one and can be a game changer!3.  Use the parking lot.  How  many times have you heard to park farther away in a parking lot rather than circling and circling for that perfect, right by the door spot?  How about actually doing it this month?  Make yourself park farther away when running your errands and find yourself getting many more steps into your day!  I know how tempting it is when you see that empty spot . . . I almost snagged one rushing to park to teach a class at the YMCA on Friday.  It would have been so easy.  However, I made myself pass it up and park in an upper lot.  I'm hoping someone injured, pregnant, or elderly got the spot as they might actually need that closer option.  And just for an extra bonus when parking a bit farther away, if at the grocery store, make yourself take the extra five minutes and 100 steps to return the grocery cart!These are the simple health hacks I'm focusing on during October.  See what works for you!  Sometimes it is the easiest, simplest things that can help add to your health.Enjoy Your Day!