Everyone wants to improve their health. But, there is a problem: where to start? Sometimes all it takes is small changes to improve your life. It’s not because you’re looking for a more balanced diet , a more active life… Or a more hygienic environment that you need to radically change your lifestyle. We asked our readers which small changes had the biggest impact on their well-being .
So, quickly discover these 8 little changes that could improve your health.
1. Reorganize your fridge
I started by putting my fruits and vegetables in clear containers. Then, I placed them on a shelf at eye level, next to the yogurt and salad sides. This means that now, when I open the fridge, it’s the food choices that I see first. I also threw away all the takeout food boxes, which I recycled to put food in. That’s because, subconsciously, seeing them encouraged me to order takeout food. Thanks to this new “system”, I choose to eat better, and Improve Your Health I have reduced my blood pressure. » — Caroline Petit, Royan (Charente-Maritime) Discover the tip for reorganizing your fridge here.
2. Take an energizing walk
“A year ago, I changed my habit during my break at work. Instead of reading for 15 minutes like I used to do, I started taking energizing walks around my workplace. After only 2 months, I was amazed by the change that this small modification had on my appearance. My love handles disappeared and my calves were toned. Today I have more energy during the day and sleep better at night. » — Carine Salzani, Villerupt (Meurthe-et-Moselle)
3. Do deep breathing exercises
“My therapist suggested deep breathing exercises to reduce stress. I’m a 4th grade math teacher and my anxiety level can be really high sometimes. I breathe in slowly for a count of 5, hold my breath for a slow count of 5, and exhale slowly for a count of 5. This method calms me down right away and allows me to stay focused. It’s a short 3 minute break that I can take whenever and wherever I want. » — Catherine Morin, Épinal (Vosges)
4. Bring healthy snacks to work
“At the office, my colleagues are used to having something to snack on. As a result, there are often chips or sweets within reach. I had developed the bad habit of snacking on cookies late morning and mid-afternoon. At the beginning of the year, I started bringing healthy snacks to work instead of the usual snacks. For example like clementines, nuts, muesli… Since I eliminated my intake of refined sugar and “empty calories” from my diet… I no longer feel tired at the end afternoon. » — Catherine Longet, Toulouse (Haute-Garonne)
5. Lift weights
“ Handling the dumbbells has not only made me more flexible, but I no longer have muscle pain in my back, neck, and shoulders. I’ve long believed that cardio training was the most important thing for a lean, healthy body — and that strength training would only increase my body mass. Yet, at 41, I look good and have never felt in better shape. » — Christine Pelletier, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec)
6. Shop online
“At home, we do all our shopping online . When I’m shopping at the supermarket, I’m more likely to make an impulse purchase. Who can refuse 2 bars of milk chocolate for the price of one? Not me anyway. When I shop online, it’s much easier to resist these kinds of temptations and promotions. As a result, we eat more balanced and, in addition, we make significant savings. » — Rebecca Wertheimer, Charleroi (Belgium)
7. Do push-ups and sit-ups
“I have always had weight problems. A few months ago, I started the daily workout practiced by my daughter who is 10 years old : 40 sit-ups and 20 push-ups. My daughter does this workout in the evening for her gymnastics classes. But I prefer to do them as soon as I wake up (I give myself 10 minutes before starting). The result ? Of course, I feel physically stronger. But what’s more, this physical activity puts me in a good mood and helps me make better decisions throughout the day. » — Jeanne Klein, Geispolsheim (Bas-Rhin)
8. Drink water before morning coffee
“I always drank coffee in the morning, before going to work. But I still felt tired. After talking to my fitness instructor about it, he advised me to drink water before my usual coffee . He says it boosts metabolism — which helps me wake up faster.
