If we can make a small change that will not cost much of our time and resources but could improve the quality of our overall health it’s worth it. I’m not talking about miracle cures, superfoods, or expensive wellness trends. I’m not selling an ideology, a new yoga method, or the latest lifestyle trends. These are simple things to do or avoid doing to bring some peace and calm. Make you stronger emotionally and physically. Give you that much-needed break.

Have in mind that every progress requires time. I ask you to stay with the change for at least 2 weeks to notice any results. Start simple with only one item on the list. And if it works for you implement more. If it doesn’t work… well sorry to waste your time. But something tells me it will work. For more in depth soul searching read What I Want To Say To My 20 Year Old Self.

1. Perfect time for coffee

I’m like most people. Drinking coffee first thing in the morning. I use good coffee to help me wake up and deal with a new day. If you are getting ready to go to work, getting the kids ready for school, or just dealing with many things simultaneously. Having those 10 minutes of alone time with a mug of coffee is similar to summer vacation.

But what if I told you that morning is a completely wrong time to have coffee? I understand. You just wake up. You need help opening your eyes and dealing with the world. But if we are talking about your energy levels they are still high in the morning. You are still strong. Your body is fresh after having rest. You don’t really need that cup.

If you want to have the full impact of the caffeine to help to get along with your day. I strongly suggest having it in the late afternoon after 2 pm or later. But make sure to have it before 5 pm so it doesn’t mess up your sleeping time. If you think about it a little it makes better sense. Your energy levels will be low. You will feel a need for a nap. Your blood sugar after having lunch will make you feel sleepy and lazy. Start having your coffee in the afternoon and let me know if you feel the difference. Especially your belly will feel grateful for not having to deal with acidity first thing in the morning. You are welcome.

2. Limit your eggs

Now I’m a person that loves and really enjoys a full English breakfast. Give me eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast. I can have it every day and still want more. But once you start getting older and your emotional side is not as good as before you start to wonder. Am I losing my patience a little too fast with the little one? Why I’m feeling all this imbalance in my body that I can’t shake?

Changing your breakfast from all eggs to no eggs is a good start if you want to deal with your mood swings and emotional outbursts. Especially if you don’t see any reason for having them in the first place. From eating eggs every single day to eating eggs twice a week I have noticed a difference. My emotions are more stable. Eating a more versatile breakfast has made me healthier and my energy levels are better. I don’t feel so sleepy and tired after eating a whole plate of heavy fried food.

Not everyone can afford free-range organic eggs. Even if we think that there are no chemicals in the eggs that we buy in our local grocery store, not eating eggs every day will have long-term health benefits.

3. Grow something

Seriously, you need to try this one. It will change how you look at things. I realize that not all of us have gardens and houses. But as long as you have a pot with dirt you are ready to make a change. And the best way to start is to grow food. I mean flowers are nice but to have something that you can actually eat and learn how things grow is amazing.

It can be as simple as sticking some pepper seeds in a pot and watching them grow. Slice the top of your carrot and plant it. You don’t even need to buy seeds. Just use them as you buy your fruits and veggies. There is something about having your hands connect with soil. Something calming. Basic. Making you calm, stable, and focused on the moment. Try it if you are dealing with stress or just tired of life. For me, it has been life-changing. Being surrounded by plants and soil. Feeling the earth under your fingers. Having to water the plants and watch them grow. Explore what you can do to make them more healthy. Amazing.

4. Give fruits a chance

I know they all say you need to eat more fruit. Have more fruit. But it’s easier to eat chocolate. And tastier. But I challenge you to eat at least 2 pieces of fruit a day. Any fruit. But eat it every single day. It would be best if you eat them in the morning. For breakfast. But if that’s not enough to hold you in the morning eat it anytime you want.

You will see wonderful things happening to your body if you start eating fruit every day. Yes, it will be boring in the beginning and you will be craving chips, chocolates, and ice cream. But give it a try. Whenever you want something sweet have a piece of fruit. Stick with it for 2 weeks and then tell me that I was wrong. I challenge you. Seriously you will get some wonderful benefits on your digestion, skin, hair, and energy levels. You will feel happier and better about yourself.

Start with seasonal fruits if you can. Apples, pears, bananas, cherries, watermelons, melons, plums. Any fruit you can find and plenty of it. Don’t make juice. Just eat straight fruit and enjoy the process that will start in your body.

5. Hydration

This could be the most important one. You can hear it everywhere. I’m, not a fan of drinking 3 to 4 liters of water a day. To be honest, maybe I’m not drinking as much as I should. But I try to keep my glass always full.

If you want to have healthy skin, good hair and nails, a healthy body, and avoid having tension headaches drinking water is the key. There is nothing more refreshing than having that nice glass of water. Don’t wait till you are thirsty. Just try to make a habit of drinking some every hour and it will be worth it. You can drink tea, water, lemonade, and coconut water. Anything you want but stay hydrated. In the long term, you will receive so many different benefits.

Sometimes when life gets to be too much. Take a moment. Have a sip. If you feel stressed or just upset about something. Take a moment and have a sip. If someone makes you upset, before saying anything take a moment and have a sip. Drinking a glass of water before you return that e-mail, text back, or just say anything can make a huge difference in your perspective on things. Not everyone can take a time out and breathe. But a glass of water and some serious drinking is possible anywhere and anytime.