How to Feel Better Everyday

You are not always going to feel great. It is a fact of life. Whether you have a stuffy nose, feel depressed, or are discouraged with your weight. But, the best part about life is you have the control of your own well being. Here are some simple steps to feel better, faster.

• Take a multivitamin. This may seem like a given, but many forget the importance of taking your daily vitamin. With today's fast paced life we do not always, no matter how hard we try, get all the nutrients we need. Taking a daily vitamin can make you feel so much better.
• Eat breakfast. With such a busy day to day sometimes we forget to eat at the correct times. Mornings can be busy, so often we skip breakfast all together. Make sure to eat something in the morning, no matter how busy you are. Picking something high in fiber and vitamins to keep you full until lunch. Things such as oatmeal, yogurt, and berries will keep you full longer.
• Change your diet. You don't have to be losing weight to change your diet. Try to cut out processed foods. Stick to raw, uncooked foods such as fruits or veggies for snacks. It may not be as fast or as easy as something out of a box or a can, but can improve your life in the long run.

• Drink water. Drink up. Water is great for your digestive system as well as your skin. Instead of grabbing for a soda to boost your energy, opt for a glass of sparkling water instead. If water is a bit bland and boring for you throw in a dash of lemon or drop in a few frozen pieces of fresh fruit for a change of pace.
• Exercise. I know we all don't have the time or money for a gym membership, but getting in a little bit of exercise everyday can greatly improve the way you feel. You can achieve this by simply using the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Or taking a walk with your kids or spouse at night, instead zoning out at the tv on the couch. Yoga and Pilates are other great, non-high impact exercises that can keep you feeling great.
• Sleep. This is easier said then done. Especially if you have children or work irregular shifts at work. Make sleep a priority. Experiment with bedtimes to find out how many hours of sleep best suites you. Also, try to wake up around the same time everyday to get your body adjusted.

• Go to the doctor. If something doesn't seem right, get yourself checked out. There is nothing a doctor hasn't heard, even if it might be embarrassing to you. Just as importantly, don't forget to have get a physical every couple years, even if you are feeling great. Prevention is the key. If you're still not feeling right and your doctor can't come up with a reason why never hesitate to get a second opinion.
• Treat yourself. We don't have the luxury of getting a weekly manicure or massage. But, do not be afraid to treat yourself every once and a while. Go buy yourself a new dress or get the much needed pedicure. If the lack of money is a factor do a minor thing for yourself like a relaxing bubble bath. Doing simple things for yourself will greatly improve how you feel physically.
• Stay home if you're sick. No matter what we do, we are all inevitably going to get sick at some point. If you have the flu or even a really bad cold make sure you take care of yourself. No one likes calling in sick to work, but that's what sick days are for. Don't feel guilty, get in bed, drink your fluids, and feel better!

• Deal with stress. Stress is not naturally a bad thing. It is how you deal with it that effects how you feel. When you are stressed about something, learn productive ways to cope. Deep breathes, yoga, and meditation are great ways to deal with stressful days. Also, talking with your spouse or friend can help ease stress.
• Stay connected. Don't lose touch with friends and family. Life can get very busy sometimes with marriage, work, and children. But don't lose your connections. Make weekly or monthly times to catch up in person, video chat or even a simple text message string. Plan times with with a friend. Human connection is a huge part of one's mental health.
• Cut it out. Just as importantly, don't be afraid to cut out the toxic people in your life. It could be a friend that uses you for your money or car. Or someone who is bad influence on you are constantly making bad decisions with. Don't be afraid to cut out the negative people in your life, it will make you feel better in the long run.

• Enjoy yourself. Take time to enjoy the things you love. Listen to your favorite artists. Go out to dinner with you loved ones. Go to the park with your children. Read a book. Anything that makes you feel refreshed, do it.
• Challenge yourself. Don't be afraid. Do things that may scare you often. Apply for the job you think you'll never get. Train for a marathon. Set a weight loss goal. Read the 500 page novel you started a year ago. Constantly strive to do something you think you cannot do.
• Volunteer or Donate. Life is busy, and volunteering is often something you think you have no time for. Reflect on the times you waste on social media or watching television. There are various things to volunteer for in your community that would only take a few hours out of your day. If you really don't have time for volunteering, research you're favorite charity and set aside some funds to go directly to it. Try to choose something you are passionate about and you will quickly see how your mental health improves.

• Live in the moment. Being concerned with the past and future can often consume you. Take time to enjoy the present. Smell the flowers. Feel the wind against your face. Listen to the rain fall. Cuddle your baby. Don't let today's worries or yesterday's regrets consume your now.
• Pray. Or mediate, or be alone. If you are religious take time to study your religion, go to church, and pray. If you are not, then take time for yourself, and figure out what you truly desire.
• Get help. Sometimes, no matter what we do for our health we still don't feel right. Don't be ashamed of seeking help from a family doctor or a psychiatrist The chemicals in your body could be completely unbalanced and require medication or another holistic type of healing. Or, you could be dealing with some major problems from your past that you need a profesional to help you work through. Whatever it is, do what is best for you and your health.

Hopefully the combination of all these steps will get you feeling better, faster.

What do you do to make yourself feel better?