Leading a healthy lifestyle seems pricey, but the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. By making a few changes, you can improve your mental and physical wellbeing without breaking the bank. Try these tips to get your health on track.

Shake up your workout with yoga

Yoga is a great exercise choice. One of the main benefits of yoga is that it enhances your mental and physical strength. The only downside is that yoga classes can be on the pricey side. And maybe you already have a gym membership, so paying for extra classes doesn’t sound appealing! Enter YouTube. There are many free yoga channels that you can subscribe to. You have the choice to practise yoga in the comfort of your home at your leisure, for free! All you’ll need to get started is a mat. So what are you waiting for?

Take up meditating

While meditation isn’t a cure, it’s a good investment towards your wellbeing. It’s one of many effective ways to deal with anxiety and tension that comes as a result of stress. Meditation carries both emotional and health benefits.

Studies have shown that it can help with managing the symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, tension headaches, sleep-related issues and even heart disease.

Meditation can also benefit you emotionally by helping you:

• build stress-management skills
• reduce negative emotions
• increase your capacity for tolerance and patience

There are also a number of free meditation apps that you can download. That way, you can meditate wherever and whenever. Smiling Mind, Headspace and Insight Timer are good choices. 

Feed your mind

While not all podcast hosts are professionals, there are some that will help you broaden your perspective on many topics. The great thing about podcasts is that you get information, entertainment and empowerment for free. In addition to this, you can listen to them anywhere, any time. It’s a cost-friendly way to get enlightenment and open your mind to different possibilities. Here are some recommendations to get you started:

1. Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
2. The Rich Roll Podcast
3. Optimal Living Daily (South African)
4. Dr. Ruscio Radio
5. Yoga South Africa
6. The Ultimate Health Podcast

There is the option of TEDx Talks as well. What’s especially fulfilling about these talks is that they are conducted by people from all walks of life, with real-life challenges, like yours.

Relook your diet

What you eat has an effect on your body. Diet plays an important role in your overall wellbeing. The general rule of thumb when it comes to maintaining a healthy body is 80% diet (healthy eating choices) and 20% exercise, so diet matters. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Eat a balanced diet. Include different types of foods, such as carbs, proteins and vegetables, to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
• Cut down on salt. Too much salt intake can cause high blood pressure.
• Drink alcohol in moderation. Too much of a ‘good’ thing can be a bad thing.
• Limit your sugar intake. Consuming too much sugar heightens your risk of diabetes.

TLC isn’t only about going to your local spa, it’s also about making healthier choices. Listen to your body and mind and give them what they need for optimum performance.