We all feel a bit unhealthy from time to time. Whether it’s because we’re a bit more tired than usual or we haven’t eaten much more than dry crackers for breakfast for the last 7 days, weeks like this come and go. They don’t have to be much of a worry, and you certainly don’t need to get into a panic about why you’re feeling the way you do, but sometimes the feeling does need working on.

After all, feeling ‘off’ for longer than a few days could be an early warning sign. When it comes to figuring out what, however, your luck is going to vary. Unhealthy feelings can result from a variety of things, and without a deep insight into your body and the way it behaves, it’s going to be hard to pinpoint the source.

Indeed, maybe your diet isn’t quite up to scratch, or maybe you need to get more steps in day by day? Who really knows? It could even be a range of things all adding up together. And when you’re not quite sure what’s going wrong or where, it’s time to focus on the areas of your life you want to make a change to.

So, if you have no idea where the unhealthy feeling has come from, but you know you’ve got a few bad habits you’re in the process of breaking, the best thing to do is try to tackle the areas below.

How You’re Sleeping

The way we sleep, and how much sleep we get, very much forms the basis of everything else we do in the day. Not enough sleep and you’re going to be sluggish, unfocused, and more likely to experience muscle aches. Spending a lot of time in bed, on the other hand, can make you feel lethargic throughout the day, and like you can never quite ‘get going’.

Sleep is a delicate balance. It’s something we all need a different amount of, and thanks to the variation in circadian rhythms, there’s every chance the best sleep time for you is different to the demands of your lifestyle.

Doing a bit of investigation into your sleeping habits, hygiene, and what time of day you feel tired and/or get the best quality sleep, can help with that unhealthy feeling that’s ruling your life right now.

What You’re Eating

A bad diet can be hard to change. Once you’re in the midst of one and feel settled in the things you eat, trying to find healthier alternatives is a hit and miss game. But the longer you go without incorporating all food groups - especially the veggie variety - you’re going to feel unhealthy.

So it’s clear something needs to change here. However, you need to make the change easy - don’t just think about cutting something out. Instead, think about exploring different cuisines; it’s easier to try meals popular in other countries and cultures than it is to pick your diet apart and try to replace single ingredients or the way you cook your food.

And any cuisine you’re interested in is a great choice here. If you like American food, buy yourself some Maine steamer clams to be delivered straight to your door and have a seafood feast. New England dishes tend to be packed with both flavor and nutrients, and if your diet suffers from a lack of protein or Omega-3, meals like these will be very good for you.

Or if you’re a fan of the Mediterranean diet, look into classically Greek or Italian dishes. That’ll give you a lot more options for fruits and vegetables, and eating like someone from a Mediterranean island might just get you diving into more wholegrains, which are perfect for keeping your heart pumping strong.

And this is all in the name of eating a more diverse, tasty, and healthy diet that makes your body feel strong and well. Make it easier for yourself by changing the dishes as a whole, as this will keep mealtimes easy and stress-free.

Where You’re Going

Staying inside all day long? Cabin fever is going to do a number on the way you feel. The more time we spend indoors, even when you’re an introvert and quite like the alone time, can make us feel off balance, and even like we’re totally isolated.

We probably aren't, and there are many people just on the other end of the phone, but life can feel a lot smaller and sickly when you spend a lot of time inside. It’s why going for a short walk every day just to get some air and some sun is so good for you. Even just 20 minutes around your neighborhood will do the trick, and could even have you running into people you can say hello to.

Who You’re Talking to

Speaking of saying hello, how often do you talk to people about the way you’re feeling or how you’re doing? And we mean really talk, that ensures you can be honest about these things. If it’s been a while since you last had a ‘meaningful’ conversation with someone, it’s time to call up a trusted loved one and make a coffee date.

Talking to other people can reduce that unhealthy feeling in both the brain and body. We feel less alone, we share and halve the problems we’re carrying, and the sense of stress that comes from both will drop dramatically. And seeing as stress occurs both mentally and physically, this is an essential thing to do when you’ve been feeling terrible all week.

How You’re Spending Your Days

If you’re working at least 5 days a week, and really you’re not doing much else at all, you’re not going to feel all that great in the long run. You’re going to feel like you’re wasting time, never relaxing, and like your life revolves around your career.

And while for some people that’s just fine, for most of us it can be incredibly demotivating. It can also carry a sense of guilt and shame with it, especially if someone asks you what you get up to for fun and you have nothing to say.

So maybe it’s time to look into getting a hobby? Or attending a class or club? Or even just grabbing a friend and going out for a few hours at night? Opening up your life to new and pleasant experiences can make working feel so much smaller.

You can still dedicate all the time you need to to your career, but with an hour or two elsewhere, you’re reminded there’s more going on than just desk work, bossy managers, and office politics.

Feeling Unhealthy? Look into These Areas of Your Life

When you’re not feeling like yourself, it’s time to make a change in one or more of the areas listed above. The things you eat, what you do, how you spend your time, and who you talk to are amongst the most important things in life. When you’re not feeling all too well, whether in your mind or your body, it could be a sign you’re not getting what you need out of them.

So let’s make changing what’s going wrong a bit easier. Of course, if you’re truly worried about something, seek out medical help and make sure a doctor or therapist knows what’s going on. But if you just want to have a better week than the one before, break some habits and try out some new things.

When You're Feeling Unhealthy, These Are The Things To Tackle