If you are like me then you are probably overall the articles, social media posts and talks about living a healthier life. And whilst I for one am not one for telling anyone they need to change. I can say that when it comes to our health, we can all do better. Not just for things like losing weight but also for overall health. Personally, I’ve been really inspired to get healthier.

With an active toddler, a busy social life, and not one but three jobs, I feel I need to pay particular attention to my health to keep up with all of it. Have good mental health and be able to climb the five flights of stairs to our apartment. And whilst I currently am not in my best health with a tooth abscess and on antibiotics. I am still trying to implement some of these healthier habits throughout my days and weeks.

1. Drink more water: We all know that drinking water is good for you and as hard as it can be, one of the ways I like to up my water intake is by starting my day with a glass of lemon water in the morning. And ending it with a glass of water in the evenings. Throughout the day (when I remember, I like to carry around my glass water bottle with me that reminds me to hydrate.
2. Move your body: Whilst moving your body every day can seem impossible. It is necessary. Moving your body does not have to mean doing an intense cardio session or hitting the gym. It can be as simple as taking a walk or even doing some sort of yoga or stretching.
3. Eating more fruit and vegetables: As a mom with a toddler. I often find that the best way to get my toddler to implement healthy behaviour’s in her diet and food choices is by doing the same. This means snacking on peas instead of chips. Eating lots of fruit and making all of this tasty by adding vegetables like spinach to my smoothies, or reaching for an apple instead of a biscuit when I find myself needing a midday snack. Again how far you take this is up to you. And you do not always have to take the healthier option. The name of the game is balance and accountability.
4. Get more sleep: As a struggling insomniac, I can tell you now how hard this is for me. But I do n-know that when I sleep more, I feel better and can be more productive throughout my day. Aiming for quality sleep is just as important as quantity, which means ensuring your room is comfortable, clean and electronics free for better sleep.
5. Connect with loved ones: With so much being thrown our way the past few years, one of the best ways to take care of our health is by talking to loved ones. I know that it can feel like you are being a burden when sharing struggles with those you love. But trust me when I say that it is well worth it. And it is better than getting into a mental funk that is hard to pull yourself from. So whether it’s sending funny memes or calling a friend in the morning. Or my personal favourite, getting in cuddles with my daughter every night. I always make sure to find ways to connect with those I love.

The post 5 ways to live a healthier life appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

Infused water can add a burst of flavour, vitamins, and minerals to a simple glass of water. After all, we all need water to keep hydrated. However, for many, the taste is just too plain and so we choose to avoid it. However by adding veggies, herbs, and fruits to our water, we can shake it up to create a vibrant, delicious, and nutritious drink. Citrus, berries, melons, fresh ginger, basil, and mint are all great choices to upgrade your water taste and water consumption. 

Here are our favourite mixes.

1. Cucumber & Mint: Thinly slice half a cucumber. Peel if it isn’t organic! Add the sliced cucumbers to 1 litre of water (4 cups), add some fresh mint leaves and stir gently. Adding some sliced lemon also works well. Cucumber adds extra hydrating benefits and mint aids digestion.
2. Lemon Lime Infused Water: Slice half a lemon and half a lime and add to 1 litre of water. You can add mint for added flavour but this water is rich in vitamin C and great for digestion.
3. Watermelon, Lemon & Mint ingredients are 1 cup of small watermelon pieces, 1 large lemon (sliced), and a handful of mint add to a litre of water.
4. Grape Orange: Add 1 cup of halved grapes and one orange, thinly sliced with rind on to a litre jug of water.
5. Strawberry Lemon: Add 15 fresh strawberries, washed and finely sliced to a 1 litre jug  and add 1 sliced lemon with rind on. Fill with water.
6. Orange Ginger: Slice 1 orange finely and thin slices of fresh ginger ( approximately 3cm) Add to a 1 litre jug of water and let infuse in the refrigerator for a few hours. This is an immune booster with its tangy vitamin C and the ginger supports the digestion.
7. Turmeric and Lemon and black pepper: 1 teaspoon of turmeric or 4 teaspoons of freshly grated turmeric added to the juice of 2 lemons. Crack some black pepper into the mix to enhance turmeric’s benefits and stir. For a warming anti-inflammatory drink serve this with warm water. Otherwise as a refreshing drink, use sparkling water as this prevents the turmeric from sinking to the bottom of the jug.

How do you make Infused Water?

• Use fresh, good quality ingredients. Your drink will only taste as good as what you put in it. Where possible use organic. Herbs are great to grow your own and mint grows quickly and easily.
• Wash everything well to remove any dirt or residues – you don’t want these in your drink!
• Use cold or room temperature water
• Let the fruit infused water set at room temperature for 1-2 hours or refrigerated for about 3-4 hours before drinking it. 
• If you don’t get to your water within about 8 hours remove all the fruits and herbs and discard them. While some fruits last longer citrus fruits like lemon and lime will make the water bitter if left in for longer than 5-6 hours. Once removed you can keep the water refrigerated and ready to grab for up to 3-4 days

The post Bring out the best in water with these infused water recipes appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

We can all use a bit of a boost every now and then. Which is why most people turn to coffee. But if you are like me and find that drinking coffee makes you shake and anxious, then it may be time to look into some coffee alternatives. As a working mom, I often find myself in need of a pick me up. Especially on days I don’t get my seven hours of sleep, or when I find myself with a never ending to do list. Here are some coffee alternatives that I turn to for that extra boost of energy when I need it.

1. Try some matcha: I first discovered this green powder on instagram through an account I was following and was curious if it actually did work. Made from green tea, matcha comes in a green powder form that can be mixed in with water; almond or cow milk and served hot or cold. Not only does it have a good amount of caffeine. For someone who struggles with coffee like me, I find that it doesn’t leave me feeling jittery. The taste does however get some getting used to as it tastes like a very strong cup of green tea. But beyond that it is my go to for busy days or when I need to stay awake. Not only that but matcha is also a natural antioxidant. And quite healthy.
2. Drink water: I know this seems silly but most days when you are tired, especially after sleeping for a good 7-9 hours, all you need is some water. Not only can water help you stay awake a little longer. But it has zero adverse effects which means you can drink as much as you want. Especially as most of us don’t drink enough water anyways.
3. Walking or working out: I used to hate when my husband would suggest I go for a walk when I was tired. But the truth is a brisk walk or exercise can help get your blood pumping and provide your brain with some much needed oxygen and energy. The same can be said for working out which can do wonders for your energy levels.
4. Take a cold shower: This is not an easy one to pull off. Especially for someone like me who loves hot baths and showers. But after reading this article, I decided to end my showers on a cold note. This means blasting the cold water over my entire body after my shower. Not only does this leave me feeling invigorated, but also full of energy.

What are some ways you keep your energy up throughout the day?

The post Bite Size: Coffee alternatives to try appeared first on Sheevolves.world.