Hi Moms,

Are you happy if you are healthy or are you healthy if you are happy? I think it works both ways. Don’t you?

In this post I would like to share with you some simple changes which helped me be healthier and happier.

Here they are:

1) Schedule your meals

I had serious issues of migraine or so I thought. I had these crazy headaches which started from my neck towards my temples and then proceeded to throb the life out of me.

I made a simple change.  Now, I eat at regular intervals. I had fewer headaches, experienced less anger (as I am not hungry anymore) and less acidity issues.

So, start today, schedule your meals according to what YOUR body needs. This also applies to your child.

2) Fluid consumption

It is essential to maintain your body fluids. Drink lots of water consciously.  Along with water, have vegetable soups in the winter & fruit juice or milkshakes in summer.

My daughter loves fresh orange or sweet lime or watermelon juice. Which juices does your child prefer? Do they like coconut water?

Pratibha has mentioned some lovely cool drinks in her post, Detox this summer. Do try some.

3) Get hungry before you eat.

So, my little one is a powerhouse of energy. It takes a lot to keep her occupied. Every evening we visit our society playground. She cycles, jumps, chats, plays, runs and I walk or play with the kids. We both get our share of fresh air and great company.

Sometimes we take her swimming. The only time I have actually heard her say, “I am hungry mom” is after swimming. Extra curricular activities are necessary for your child.

Also, when we are really hungry, we eat well and in happy spirits. So get walking, get talking, get hungry before you head to your dinner. (Notice, I did not use the word exercise.)

4) Take necessary precautions.

I am unable to bear harsh sun. (I hate admitting this!) I have to cover my eyes with sunglasses and I have to cover my head with a scarf or use an umbrella. If I don’t, I end up with a throbbing headache.

If you have something that bothers you too, take note of it and take necessary precautions.

For example, if you don’t eat on time, you might be prone to acidity. So take needful precautions of always carrying snacks with you.

5) Find healthy options for your binge eating

I have my dinner early around 8.00 pm. Result, by midnight I am hungry. I was very used to having a packet of lays, Nachos, wafers and chocolates stacked up just because I knew I will be awake and I will be hungry.

One day I just stopped buying these. Instead, I substituted warm milk and dry fruits.

If you are in the habit of binge eating, check for alternatives like wheat flakes, dry fruits, home-made snacks or healthy snacks.

6) Sleep well

Sleep is absolutely essential. Each one of us has a different sleep pattern.

Understand yours and if you have insomnia at night, make sure you get enough rest or sleep during the day.

Try power naps.

7) Be YOU

And this one is for happiness. When I say, be YOU, I mean, do something that makes you happy.

I love being with children and engaging them. I love to sing. I love to interact with people. I love to write. I love to read. I love to meet friends.

Even though everything is not possible, SOMETHING is ALWAYS possible.

Find out what makes you happy. May be it is something new you need to try?

Be genuinely happy for at least some part of your day. You need to make conscious efforts for this.

So, find where your happiness lies and pursue it.

I hope you will find some of the above points useful and helpful.

Lots of love,

Poornima