You are overworked and super stressed. You don’t feel good physically, are kind of burn out mentally and can’t find the time to calm down and slow down. You’re not alone. Nowadays, the emphasis is in doing everything faster, better, and more efficiently. We all feel that there is never enough time to do all the things we need to do and do the things we know we should be doing to just be able to keep up. It’s a paradox, really, we are bombarded with millions of messages of how important it is to nourish our bodies, minds and even spirits but at the same the pace of life does not slow down. But, the only answer to this dilemma is to choose to make the time to do some simple things that will actually give us more time, energy and life to continue with our fast paced lives.

Here are three things you can quickly put into practice. The real important thing is for you to choose to take part in these activities. You don’t have to tackle them all in one day or week. In fact you can start with one new healthy living activity for a week, and keep it going it for at least three weeks before you start the next. Starting too many things at the same thing will lead you to feeling stressed and under accomplished – things you are already feeling and the point is to get out of this rut and into the path of a more fulfilled life. Once you feel that you have mastered one of these habits, then move on the next. I guarantee you will want to move to the next because you will feel better.

1. Exercise

Yes, we all know we should exercise, but who has the time. You have to make conscious decision to make some time to exercise. I don’t have to enumerate the many benefits of exercising. You probably know them by heart. We live in a very exercise knowledgeable society, but again, we all know how great it is for us, but we don’t do it. Just start with something easy. Take baby steps until you reach the level that is right for you. The perfect exercise is simple walking. Ask your own family doctor. What can be easier than walking. Get a treadmill or just walk around your neighborhood. You are probably not going to feel in the mood to walk – nobody does at first. But once you get started, and your legs are moving, and you’re breathing in and out, and actually putting your body to work, you will feel great.

Look, you will lose weight and look awesome. You will actually feel better physically, more energized, relaxed, happier and you’ll sleep better. If you are feeling bored, go for a walk. If you’re feeling depressed or sad, go for a walk. If you are feeling lonely go for a walk. Take your dog, your kids, yours spouse, your neighbor, whatever. Take with you an i-pod or mp3 player with your favorite music, radio shows or review your recorded college lectures. The point is that you will feel better after you’re done. You can start with just 30 minutes a day for three days a week.

2. Eat Healthier

Here is another one of those we know we need to know but who has the time to prepare overcomplicated healthy meals that require so many other ingredients you have to scavenger hunt in your supermarket or have to drive to a specialty store. But, you can also start easily with this one. There is no need to over-complicate things. The point is to get you started and then you can take it to the extent that is right for you and your lifestyle. After walking for a while, you’re going to be feeling so physically great that something strange will happen, you’re body will start to crave foods that are lighter and more easy on your physical machine, your body. It happened to me. I still go for my pizza, beer, and burgers once a week or month. But they make me feel heavier and too full. My body naturally wanted a more lighter alternative. And I discovered the not so bad world of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. I still eat my meat and chicken. I have not given up on my mashed potatoes or pasta. But now, I pair them with other side dishes like cool looking salads or funky grilled veggies. You don’t need to be a chef to learn how to cook healthier.

Go to your computer and google any recipe that you want to learn and you’ll get a million options. You’ll find complete recipes with pictures and step by step instructions. You may even enjoy cooking now like I do. Don’t worry about prepping time if you are cooking with lots of fruits and vegetables. Take advantage of the pre- washed veggies, canned veggies, and dried fruit. After your scavenger hunt in the internet, prepare some menus for the week, go to your local grocery store and buy the ingredients to have them ready for the week. You’ll have fun putting together new meals. You and your family will feel better because you’ll be eating healthier, so you’ll be adding many more healthy living years to all in your household.

3. Activate Your Brain

Now that you are feeling so great physically, you probably will feel the need to feed your brains. Human beings are creative, intelligent and passionate beings. We need to exercise our minds and keep them active just like any other muscle in our bodies. We have this innate need to learn, grow, improve, take chances and create or build something. You can go back to college, read a new book, pick up a new hobby. Instead of vegging in front of the TV, go try something new. Like with exercising, you’ll hate it at first because it does take initiative and getting up and doing something. But, like with walking and adding some veggies and fruits to your time, you will feel better afterwards and will want to do more.

Take on an online course, or check out what your local library offers. Or find an organization or club you are interested in and join. The point is to do something new, to try something new. Go and try something that you have always wanted to do and get out of your comfort zone. You may find you greatly enjoyed the experience and want to try other things, and you may even walk out with new skills that you use at your job.

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