Looking after your health and wellbeing is something that most people know is important. However, it can also feel overwhelming at times, trying to get your five a day, walk 10,000 steps, sleep for eight hours, and drink enough water.

And if you’re not doing all those things and more, you can end up feeling guilty and stressed, the complete opposite of happy and healthy.

However, a new study has shown that making just a few tiny tweaks to your lifestyle can make a big difference.

These changes are so imperceptible that you will hardly notice making them, but you could really reap the rewards over the long term.

Small but consistent changes can work together to improve your health and wellbeing

The study sought to discover the smallest possible lifestyle changes which could be made to lengthen lifespan.

According to Live Science, the results showed that very small changes could have a measurable impact.

The study found that those incorporating the following changes tended to live longer than the bottom 5% of the cohort:

  • Five minutes more sleep a night
  • Two extra minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day
  • Adding half a portion of vegetables.

The data also suggested that making small improvements across a range of areas could be more beneficial than making a larger change across just one. Essentially, consistency in the behaviour change was a key factor.

Improving your health doesn’t always have to mean making dramatic or unrealistic changes. Small but consistent changes in the following three areas can add up over time to make a big difference.

1. Prioritising sleep can improve your physical and mental wellbeing

Sleep is so beneficial for almost every aspect of your wellbeing that it’s difficult to name all the ways.

But just a few, according to Bupa, include:

  • Improved memory and concentration
  • Keeping your heart healthy
  • Boosting your immune system
  • Improving your mental health and wellbeing
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Reducing your stress levels.

Trying to get more sleep by simply going to bed a lot earlier is unlikely to work, especially if your mind is busy. But you could try adjusting your bedtime by just a few minutes each night over a period of time to gradually ease yourself into a slightly earlier night.

Other ways to get a little more sleep include:

  • Avoiding screen time for an hour before you go to bed – try reading a book instead, as this will help you wind down faster
  • Blocking out noise and light using a sleep mask and earplugs to keep distractions to a minimum
  • Taking a warm bath or shower, as this can signal to your body it’s time for rest.

Lots of things can interfere with your sleep pattern, so try to take the pressure off yourself to get a perfect night every night. But a few minutes more on a regular basis can really make a difference to your health and wellbeing.

2. Increasing movement supports your long-term mobility

Exercise can support your mobility and flexibility, helping you maintain a healthy weight and stay fit and supple.

It can also help to improve your circulation and boost your mood. Plus, regular exercise can help you sleep, so it can support your bid to get a little extra shuteye every night.

The NHS recommends adults should do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.

On top of this, you can incorporate extra movement into your everyday life by:

  • Parking further away from your destination and walking the rest of the way
  • Taking the stairs instead of the lift
  • Walking or cycling on short journeys instead of driving
  • Doing light exercises while you’re watching television
  • Cleaning vigorously, turning your chores into a workout.

Try to think of it as adding movement to activities you’re already doing, and you’ll be much more likely to stick with it.

3. Tweaking your eating habits can help you stay at a healthy weight

The research found adding just half a portion of veg made a difference to lifespan when done consistently.

Increasing your intake of fruit and veg, reducing the number of processed foods you eat, and choosing wholegrain versions of bread, rice, and pasta can all help towards giving you a well-balanced diet.

Make some small changes by:

  • Adding an extra portion of veg to your plate, alongside what you’d ordinarily eat
  • Reducing the amount of sugar you put in your tea by half a teaspoon
  • Using herbs and spices in place of salt occasionally.

Healthy eating can become a habit if you keep it interesting, but depriving yourself of foods you enjoy can make you slip backwards.

Making some small, incremental changes can often be much more beneficial than trying to overhaul your whole diet in one fell swoop.

Get in touch

There’s always room for making some tweaks and changes to your financial plan, helping to make sure it’s in great shape. Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807 to find out how we can help.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.