Habits rule our lives and shape our days. Whether you are aware of it or not everything from your emotional response to stress to how you get dressed in the morning is a habit. We all have good ones and we all have bad ones. Some are more known to us than others and we all have a desire to develop new healthy habits from time to time.
Drink a Glass of Water First Thing in the Morning
This was a habit that I managed to ingrained into my daily routine this year and I am so happy that I did. Often we feel hungry or crave caffeine first thing in the morning, but in reality, we are just dehydrated. Drinking water takes care of that issue and after my body gets its dose of H2O I can have my coffee and breakfast and often don’t desire a second cup of caffeine.
My digestion has improved, my dependence on caffeine has decreased and I am able to drink more water during the day. It’s a triple win really.
Eat Breakfast
It seems so odd that eating breakfast every morning can help you be healthier, but it is true. By eating a healthy breakfast your body has more energy all day long helping you burn more calories. Not to mention it sets the tone for the day ahead. Prepare yourself a simple breakfast meal, like cereal or a smoothie and after a few weeks see the changes that begin to take place.
Connect with Nature
Ahh, the great outdoors. Did you know that being in nature helps normalize our sleep patterns, increases vitamin d in our bodies and helps lower our stress hormones? Just to name a few. Being in nature for just 10 minutes a day can drastically improve our overall health. I get it, not everyone lives in the country or has easy access to nature. However creating healthy habits such as gardening, or a weekly walk in the park with friends may be just what the doctor ordered.
Start a Gratitude Practice
Write down a few things you are grateful for each day and watch as your inner talk and perspectives on the world change to be more gracious and positive. Incorporating a gratitude practice into my life has changed my attitude for the better. Helping me to see the good in every day which is sometimes harder to do then you may realize. The negativity of news and social media can take its toll. But don’t forget there is a lot of good in your life and the world too.
Take Regular Phone Breaks
Many of us are in the terrible habit of checking our phones all the time. We check them in the middle of conversations, while out to dinner, or when we are about to go to sleep. For no reason other than to check them. Giving yourself designated times to check your phone is a great way to break this bad habit. But it is also a wonderful way to get into the habit of living in the moment without your phone.
Incorporate Seeds into your Diet
This is such a simple healthy habit that you can begin to incorporate into your diet right away. Healthy seeds such as flax, chia, and hemp seeds are so easy to incorporate into the meals you already eat. Throw some in your morning yogurt, your smoothies or salads. These seeds help reduce blood sugar, are an excellent source of protein and may even be able to reduce your risk of cancer.
Go to Bed at the Same Time Each Night
Going to bed at the same time each night regardless of the day of the week is a wonderful way to ensure regular sleep habits. What you may start to notice is it takes you less time to fall asleep at night, you get a more solid sleep and other habits during your waking life are easier to develop also.
Take Your Vitamins
I know there is a lot of conflicting information about vitamins out there but this is a habit that I follow myself. Keep in mind I am no doctor. However, I will say this, taking vitamins is a great way to prevent a problem before it starts. Wouldn’t you rather take care of your body rather than trying to fix it once it is ill? Vitamins are not the only answer but taking a multivitamin daily regardless of your age is a wonderful way to optimize your health.
Do your own research or chat with your doctor or nutritionist to see if taking vitamins is something that would work well for you.
Take Micro Vacations
Planning large adventurous trips is something I love to do. However, I can often only afford to do this once every 2 or 3 years. The problem with that is you need breaks more often than that. That is where micro vacations come in. Taking a long weekend regularly can drastically improve your overall mood, your relationships with others and your health. So many people struggle to make time for self-care, family and themselves so making micro vacations one of your regular healthy habits is a wonderful way to free up some of your valuable time.
Make Self Care a Priority
It can be easy to get into the bad habit of putting yourself last. When you don’t make yourself a priority you become drained, stressed and altogether empty. This makes being there for the ones you love difficult. Starting some self-care habits is a wonderful way to feel relaxed, unwind and be the best version of you.
Something as simple a taking a class you love, going to the spa or getting a relaxing bath is a wonderful way to show yourself the self-care you deserve. The reward is a radiant, vibrant and happier you! What more could you want?
