People who want to start living a more natural lifestyle often struggle with where they should start.  They tend to over think it and assume they have to completely change their current way of living. However, transitioning to a healthy lifestyle is much more simple than people think and doesn’t always involve becoming a vegan or yogi. Everybody is different, and what works for one person, might not work for others. Don’t compare yourself to other people and instead focus on becoming a better you! Getting more sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and using natural home and beauty products are simple tips to follow if you want to live a natural life. Improving what you put in your body as well as improving your surrounding environment will help you in your journey to better your lifestyle.

Getting More Sleep

Sleep is essential to your health, but there is often confusion around how much sleep is necessary. Eight hours of sleep seems to be the amount that most people think is appropriate, but it varies for every person. It is important to train your body to fall asleep around the same time very night and wake up around the same time every morning. Getting on a routine sleep schedule will help your body prepare for anticipated events and also improve your digestive system. Eventually, this sleep routine will help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling much more rested. Also, taking short 30-minute power naps can help rejuvenate and boost your energy in the middle of the day.  The amount of sleep you need varies for each person but the advantages remain the same. The benefits of sleep are not only for your state of mind but also for the complexion of your skin, your metabolism, and your mood.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important steps in living a natural lifestyle. However, many people find excuses not to do it. One of the main excuses is not having enough time. But, there are many simple ways to live a more active life. Simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator is an easy way to squeeze some cardio into your day. Try climbing the stairs two at a time for a bit more strenuous workout. Even returning your grocery cart, instead of leaving it by your car, will add those extra steps in and help burn more calories. Also, try to ride your bike or walk to your location instead of driving. By doing so you are not only adding in a simple exercise, but you are also saving the environment. It’s a win win! Getting your body moving and making simple changes in your daily routine will make you less lazy and more motivated to fit in a full workout.

Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t require losing a ton of weight or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Instead, maintaining a healthy diet means feeling great, boosting your energy, stabilizing your mood, and improving your body image. Simple changes in your diet may include lowering your carb and sugar intake. It is however important to remember that eating your favorite foods in moderation is more important than thinking you can never indulge again. Also, try to avoid calorie counting. Calorie counting can lead to starvation and is usually not a good route when creating a healthy diet. Starving yourself will diminish your muscle mass and impair your health. Additionally, the more you exercise, the more calories you will need to intake. Instead, rely on portion control, choosing items with healthy ingredients, and eating slowly so your body has time to catch up and let you know when it is full.

Try to avoid processed or packaged foods that have hidden sugars and fats that can be extremely unhealthy. Fast food menu items are usually heavily processed, so opt for a healthier alternative such as a fresh salad that you can buy at your local grocery store. Also, try to avoid sugary drinks like soda or energy drinks and instead choose water. If you prefer flavored beverages, you can flavor your water with cucumbers, lemons, or berries.

Try to drink tea three times a day and you will begin see huge changes. Drinking tea, especially green tea, 30 minutes before you eat can help you to eat smaller portions, while drinking it 30 minutes after you eat assists with digestion. Some teas have caffeine and are great for mornings or as a coffee replacement. However, if you love your coffee, don’t feel like you have to give it up. Try regular or iced coffee with natural flavorings, and nonfat, coconut, soy, or almond milk instead of opting for fancy drinks that have more sugar than caffeine. If you have sweet tooth cravings, choose dark chocolate or fruit to satisfy the craving.

Lastly, drink lots of water! Many times when we think we are hungry, we are just dehydrated. Drinking 8oz of water 30 minutes before and after you eat will help you feel full, minimize the pores on your skin, and cleanse you inside and out.

Use Natural Products

Part of living a natural and holistic life not only means eating right, but also surrounding yourself with the right products. From cleaning products to beauty and skincare, using natural products has countless benefits. Many of these products can be made with ingredients you already have at home. Making the switch to an all natural lifestyle can seem intimidating, but once you realize the health benefits and how easy it can be, you will never go back to your old ways.

Start by switching your cleaning products such as all-purpose sprays, laundry detergents and dish soaps to DIY all-natural products. Many of these products have harmful toxic ingredients in them but it’s easy to make an alternative! For an all-purpose cleaning spray use water, white vinegar, and essential oils. Essential oils such as lemon essential oil, lavender essential oil, and melaleuca essential oil are great additions. All of these ingredients, such as the essential oils, can be utilized for other purposes too. For example, lavender essential oil, when rubbed on your temples and under your nose, can help ease headaches and aid sleep. You can use essential oils many purposes. For DIY laundry detergent all you need is borax, a shaved bar of soap, and baking soda. This recipe makes for a naturally scented laundry detergent because it is scented with natural essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Try switching to a dish soap that is free of artificial foaming agents and synthetic fragrances. It might take a little while to get used to if you are accustomed to seeing lots of suds in your dishwater, but this homemade dish soap will still get your dishes nice and clean. Add citrus essential oils like lemon or a combination of orange and lime for extra degreasing power. Simply changing your daily home cleaning products to natural ones will save you money and ensure that the ingredients are safe.

Natural products go beyond household items. Changing your personal hygiene products can make a huge difference in your natural lifestyle as well. Try switching to a homemade body wash by using raw honey, liquid castile soap, and essential oils. Many commercial body washes contain harmful ingredients, such as endocrine-disrupting phthalates. Toothpaste typically contains additives, like glycerine, that can break down your enamel over time despite what the product claims on the box. Instead use a whitening tooth powder that contains safe ingredients like baking soda, sea salt, and bentonite clay that clean your teeth naturally. Also, try a new way to wash your hair by avoiding commercial options of shampoos that contain artificial foaming agents and hormone-disrupting additives that soak right into your body. With only two ingredients, baking soda and water, you can make your own shampoo. Follow it up with a two-ingredient conditioner made with apple cider vinegar and water. Using ingredients like these will not be harmful to your hair or your skin.

If you do not have the time to make DIY natural products, there are several companies that steer clear of harmful ingredients. Try The Honest Co. and Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products for your home, and OZNaturals Skin Care products. You can rest assured knowing that when using these products you will never have to worry about harmful chemicals on your skin. OZNaturals takes pride in using the highest concentration of natural and active ingredients whenever possible. They never compromise on quality and performance, and believe that good skin care does not have to come at a huge expense.

Love Yourself

Last but not least, love yourself and everything that makes you unique. Leading a natural and holistic life starts with the decisions you make. Being happy in your own skin and surrounding yourself with positivity will not only make you a better person, but it will also improve your overall well-being. Deciding to live a natural and holistic life will benefit you in more ways than you think. With these simple changes and tips, you can begin living a natural life and start to reap the benefits today!