It’s a common perception that being healthy costs money, and takes a lot of effort. As we celebrate 50 years of Singapore enjoying its independence, and thriving economy and otherwise, let’s commit to making all our days a little brighter by focusing on our wellbeing and adopting a positive more appreciative outlook.

Here are some easy ways to start doing so now, that won’t cost you much – just a little effort and good attitude.

1. First thing when you get up, look in the mirror, smile and say “This is going to be a great day!”

2. Do a few light stretches, or gentle yoga poses.

3. Sip on a large glass of warm water with fresh lemon juice.

4. Avoid looking at email until your ‘work day’ officially begins.

5. Take time to have a nourishing breakfast.

6. Make an effort to engage positively with your partner/kids.

7. Carry a water bottle at all times.

8. Plan, and stock, for healthy snacks. (Download Liza’s Healthy Snacking Guide below!)

9. Take the stairs; skip the short ride and fit in a brisk walk.

10. Pack your own lunch for work/school.

11. Take regular breaks from the computer screen.

12. Go meatless beyond Mondays.

13. Make your own smoothies, coffee, popcorn, etc.

14. Use a journal to track your meals, exercise, social calendar (makes it much more likely to happen).

15. Get to bed earlier, around the same time every night.

16. Increase proportion of ‘veggie colour’ at every meal.

17. Don’t sit for long periods – get up for a short walk.

18. Your stomach doesn’t taste or have teeth, so savour and chew your food.

19. Reduce alcohol intake – plan your weekly units.

20. Enjoy good quality caffeine, but not too much.

21. Floss more, then show off your efforts– SMILE 🙂

22. Destress with a warm bath, walk in nature, inspiring music.

23. Each day, do a random act of kindness.

24. Get ingredient savvy – look at nutrition labels.

25. Spice up your life - use more spices and herbs.

26. Eat less sugar, you’re sweet enough

27. Expose your skin to Vitamin D daily (if climate doesn’t allow, take Vitamin D3 drops).

28. Find an exercise you enjoy, and just do it. Tick.

29. Eat less packaged and convenience food.

30. Be assertive when dining out – ask for items grilled or steamed, sauce and dressing on the side.

31. Go for whole grain over white, processed carbs.

32. Keep a journal of your thoughts, meals, fitness routine (makes you accountable).

33. Invest time in learning about better nutrition.

34. Be aware of chemicals in personal care, household items and the environment. Better alternatives are no more expensive.

35. Get out of the office at lunch time – go for a stroll, catch up with a friend.

36. Show your love and appreciation more; it comes back in spades.

37. Lift weights – for a stronger body and mind.

38. Watch less TV – swap it out for romance 😉

39. Understand hunger versus appetite (use hunger scale)

40. Try a new recipe or dish every week.

41. Reduce and replace gluten and dairy; adds variety and nutrients to your diet.

42. Laugh more – it’s proven to be medicinal.

43. Don’t sweat the small stuff – let go, move on.

44. Enjoy a decadent dessert once in a while – quality over quantity every time.

45. Adopt a ‘no electronics in the bedroom’ policy (see #38).

46. Avail of free health and dental checkups; but pay if you have to. Prevention is far better than cure.

47. Practice deep breathing or meditation for a few minutes daily.

48. Hang out with people you like, life’s too short.

49. De-clutter your stuff - ‘less is more’ is a fact.

50. Before you retire, look in the mirror, smile, say “Thank you for this day”.

So there you have it – not so difficult and all within your grasp. Commit to adopting 1 or 2 of these a week, and you’ll reap the rewards before the end of Singapore’s 50th year celebrations.

Happy Birthday Amazing Singapura! Congratulations on turning 50, and thank you for being so kind to us all.

 For further reading on topics see Health and Vitality page.

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