Five Tips for a Healthier Happier You | Guest Post by Bonita Rochelle

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Sometimes we get caught up in our day to day's, forgetting we need to eat or keep active, that's okay sometimes because life is manic and gets like that, but we need to remember we only have one body and we need to look after it like our life depends on it, because.. It does. 

If you're thinking 'I just don't have the time' I'm here to tell you it's simple enough, I have five small changes you can make today to live a healthier, happier life.. 

1.  Eat - simple enough really. Make time for breakfast, it's the most important meal of the day, it gets your metabolism going and aids in weight loss. It's also about making better food choices, cutting down on red meat and swapping that junk food for something nutrient rich. Why not challenge yourself and go vegetarian once a week?

2.  Hydrate - Water is so important for a healthy body and healthy brain function. The recommended daily water intake is 8 glasses a day, I tend to try and drink at least a litre and a half and I make it easy by buying a big bottle of volvic and sipping through the day.

3.  Sun Sun Sun - The sun is scarce in a place like London, except over the last few weeks we have been experiencing an epic influx of sun and I for one have been lapping it up. Did you know a lack of vitamin D can cause all sorts of problems with your bones. So when the sun is shining get out and make the most of it, a tan is the bonus. Don't forget to use sun screen where needed to avoid burning.

4. Sleep - Most of us don't get enough sleep, we are recommended 8 hours a night this is to allow our body to repair and recuperate. Lack of sleep can affect your physical and mental health, affect your concentration and cause headaches.  Try and get an early night where you can to maximise your productivity for the day ahead.

5.  Get active - no ones telling you go to the gym and work so hard that you never want to go back, but make the effort to be more active everyday, whether it be walking more, having a jog in the park or joining the weekly spin class at your local leisure centre. Exercise gets your blood flowing, it releases feel good hormones and helps relieve stress. There's nothing bad about exercise, so find a fun way to fit it in for at least 30 minutes a day a few times a week. 

There will be days where we just want to sit on the sofa and eat copious amounts of Ben&Jerrys & that's okay too, but if you want to spend less of your life dealing with sickness and more time living life to the fullest you have to make some small changes to live a better, longer life. 

What are your tips for being healthy? 

----------------------------------------------------------------- I want to thank Bonita for her wonderful guest post!   Please go and check out her blog at http://www.bonitarochelle.blogspot.co.uk/

Much Love, EL x