How to Change Your Life & Live Longer

Since COVID-19 swept the world, my holistic chiropractic practice has continued serving clients in the Greater New York and Nyack areas via in-person and telemedicine consultations. This has provided me with an in-depth look at the pain, stress and physical toll this unprecedented time is taking on a large segment of the population.

As one who incorporates healing and integrative wellness techniques into my practice, it has also illuminated how perfect this time is for changing your life. Many of you were working long hours, caring for others, and worrying about finances before the COVID virus arrived. Now our limited mobility and excess time inside has expanded that.

But there are ways to simplify, enrich and make your life happier. (Yes, even now.)

How do you want to live your life?

Start by asking yourself how you want to live your life.

Do you want to work 24/7, or avoid taking actions that will bring more happiness and health into each day? Or do you want to live in a way that balances your life? Make a list of everything you would like less of, and everything you would like more of in your life. Start small.

How much time do you spend in nature each week? How can you spend more, even if it is your backyard, the neighborhood park or a nearby stoop next to a beautiful tree?

How much of your life are you “plugged in” to technology and TV? How can you spend less?

How much time do you spend moving vs. sitting?

How much healthy food — fresh fruit, vegetables, grains — are you enjoying vs. processed foods like chips, high-sugar energy bars, sodas, and fast food?

How much of an unrewarding routine are you stuck in?

Three key actions to take

Here are ways you can start changing your life.

Move more. Movement — walking, stretching, running, dancing and all sorts of exercise — is the key to feeling healthier, more energetic, and happier. Moving in the morning is especially helpful if you are older, out of shape or have a disability that keeps you from a fuller range of motion. This Harvard Health stretching guide is a good place to start.

All of us have different types of movements we do naturally, without thinking, because they make us feel good. What are yours? How can you do them more? If you love music and love to dance, play your favorite upbeat music every morning and dance to it.

Slow down. Smell the roses. Breathe. Think about where you can find joy in your life. Savor it. Rushing, worrying and allowing your stressed thoughts to dominate your mind is disabling. It harms your body, makes your muscles stiff and diminishes your quality of life. Meditating helps many people. So does simply taking 20 minutes and a cup of coffee or tea and just being in the moment, with no distraction.

Look at the food you are eating. Is it processed — a lot of chips, sweets and take-out like burgers and pizza — and does it include a lot of sodas and alcohol? If so, consider replacing that with raw nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, salmon and grains, and sparkling water. You will save money and reduce many harmful chemicals and sugar in your body, making it feel fresher, more energetic, and alive. The American Heart Association has many healthy eating tips.

Thinking of changing your life can feel overwhelming. But taking small steps, starting with your routine, is the way to begin starting a fresh chapter. Open your mind to new ways of living. Now is the time to wake up to a new way of living your life: a life of balance that will extend your longevity, too.

Yes, now.

Dr. Kristina Wodicka is a Nyack, N.Y.-based holistic chiropractor who incorporates customized healing and integrative wellness techniques into her practice. Her related articles include: How Emotions Contribute to Stress. Follow her on Facebook.