It can be difficult when you decide you want to start living a healthier life. Many of us don’t know where or how to begin! Let’s be real about this: our modern world is usually geared toward conveniences, money and pleasure, not our physical health and well being! So today, I want to show you where to begin and how you can start carving out a natural lifestyle.
Where to Begin When You Want a Healthier Life
Lifestyle changes can be daunting. As you search the world wide web, there are many different ideas out there. And when you look at your home, you’ll likely see more than a few things you’d like to change! Overwhelm is normal, but I’m here today to tell you it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. Here’s how you can start moving toward change!
Step 1: Start by Analyzing Your Situation
For most people, there is a particular struggle or situation that made them question the system our modern world operates on. When the modern methods don’t work or yield undesirable results, it usually leads us to look for answers elsewhere. This is often where the journey begins.
It may have been food allergies. Skin reactions. Tooth decay or other health issues. Whatever your catalyst was, start making changes there. It’s close to home, health and your heart!
And if perchance it was an article or general awareness that made you decide to embrace change? I recommend choosing just one area to start with. The kitchen and your food is always a great place to begin!
Step 2: Pick One Category to Research and Learn About
After you’ve chosen an area of your home or health you’d like to address, take a few weeks to research, read and learn about it. Take notes, purchase any ingredients or equipment you may need and think about where and when you will implement it into your life schedule!
Step 3: Start Implementing Changes
Go slow. If your goal is to start fermenting vegetables to help support gut health, don’t try to ferment 15 different types of food in the beginning! Start with one, two or maybe 3 different options, until you figure out what you like and how the process works.
Planning to change out all your skincare items for natural, homemade alternatives? Make small batches and take time to try each one before making too much of any particular thing!
Maybe you’re going to start bringing real food ingredients into your kitchen? Don’t change everything out all at once! Set a manageable pace for yourself so that you don’t burn out or get frustrated when the old methods don’t work with new, whole food ingredients.
For some, it may be helpful to pick a date on the calendar and decide how often you’re going to try something new in the category you’ve chosen. Every Wednesday? Every other week? One time a month?
Remember this is a marathon, not a sprint!
Step 4: Remember It’s Ok to Pivot
If you’re a determined individual, it can be humbling to let go of things. But if something really isn’t working for you or if life brings you a new and challenging season, don’t be afraid to pivot for the sake of your sanity!
Ideally, you’d first let go of the least important things, first.
A great example from my own life? Sourdough bread! I use a fermented dough for making homemade, whole wheat bread. However, there are times when things just get chaotic and busy. And while I do love sourdough, I sometimes let it go for the sake of simplifying life and maintaining my sanity!
If It Sounds Too Simple…
I know this plan sounds simple. But learning how to live a healthier life will be overwhelming if you try to run before you can walk. Set a sustainable pace for yourself and slowly, start embracing change. Also remember to give your family time to adjust as well!
Helpful Resources on the Blog
This little blog of mine is loaded with articles and even free resources! Click the links below to access blog posts (or freebies) in each category.
Create a Natural Home
Allergy Free, Non Toxic Living
Cooking and Baking
An intro to milling your own flour
My favorite, whole wheat recipes & cheat sheet
Whole Food Recipes for the Kitchen
Natural Skincare and Remedies
Natural skincare recipes and tutorials
Raise and Preserve Food
Freezing fresh food for winter
Fermented Food & Drink for a Healthier Gut
Waterbath canning tips and recipes
Still have questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!
I'm Autumn. Join me in the simple cottage life and learn how to keep a traditional kitchen, garden and pantry!
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