When trying to live a healthier and happier life, small changes go a long way. But, unfortunately, it’s impossible to turn your life upside down and suddenly start eating a balanced diet or jogging every day before work. That is because we’re all creatures of habits, meaning you can stick to your new choices only if you give yourself more time to adapt. So, here are some simple health habits that are worth adopting and will help you transform your life and establish a daily routine to become the best version of yourself.
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Take the stairs
The last thing you want to do after a long day of work takes the stairs when you arrive at your building. Still, if you don’t have time for regular exercise, this simple yet effective workout will strengthen your leg muscles and help relieve head fogginess after work. You might need a few days to adapt, but the results will be worth it. What’s more, you can take a few extra steps by repeatedly walking up and down the stairs for a more effective workout.
Drink more water
Drinking enough water every day will regulate your body temperature, keep your joints lubricated and restore skin elasticity. By drinking an additional glass of water per day, you’ll condition your body to easily ward off infections, but you’ll also improve the quality of your sleep and keep your organs functioning properly.
If you prefer other beverages such as juices or tea, there’s a solution to that. Simply add a few lemon wedges, rosemary, cucumber or any other ingredient to your water. Fruits and herbs will make the water taste better and help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Cut back on mindless snacking
Every experienced dietitian will recommend you to eat three to five meals a day. Still, many of us tend to eat two large portions and then compensate with unhealthy snacks. While it’s necessary to take a few bites between each meal, it’s advisable to cut back on mindless snacking and include healthier alternatives in your diet.
That includes nuts, flaxseeds, fruits, or even raw vegetables. The options are endless, so make sure to try a few combos to see which healthy snacks can keep your belly full until dinner time.
Take a 10-minute walk
When life gets in the way, even regular 10-minute walks can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. For example, those who work from home can use this opportunity to stretch and breathe some fresh air before getting back to work, and if you work in an office, you can take a walk back home to relieve the stress.
Walking for only ten minutes a day will boost your cardiovascular health, support your joints and improve your mood. So, if you’re looking for new healthy habits, this one is perfect for you.
Go to bed early
Staying up late surely sounds alluring when you’re scrolling on social media or watching your favourite show. But, if going to bed late is one of your habits, chances that you’ll feel fully rested the next morning are slim to none. Luckily, you don’t have to make drastic changes to improve the quality of your sleep.
Going to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual will drastically reduce stress and improve your mood. On top of that, sleep will boost your immune system and help you stay focused at work.
Meditate
Meditation is a healthy habit that improves your mood and helps you reconnect with yourself. When it becomes difficult to keep track of your thoughts, or if the stress is eating you alive, play some relaxing music in the background, sit on the floor and let your worries melt away. You can also use mala beads during meditation to help you focus your mind and your breath as you move through your practice.
Meditation allows you to pay more attention to yourself, feel every sensation in your body, and find a safe space when you need it the most. As a result, it lowers your resting heart rate and boosts your concentration and productivity. What’s more, regular meditation can significantly improve anxiety symptoms and help you build resilience. Moreover, if you have time to spend, you can go on a silent meditation retreat to enjoy and relax. While you are away from the stress and distraction, this is the time when you can focus on your thoughts and meditate. You can have a breathing exercise and take advantage of the fresh air of nature.
Be creative
We’re all overwhelmed with work, and naturally, taking the time to unwind can drastically help you juggle work and life. So, instead of mindlessly watching TV, be sure to find a new hobby and tap into your creative self. Start making jewellery, draw your favourite scenery or write a poem. It doesn’t matter what you decide to do to unleash your creativity, but make sure to do it often, and more importantly- do it with pleasure.
Eat a balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet offers many benefits. Healthy foods will increase your energy levels, reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and help you manage a healthy weight. In addition, some foods are well-known for slowing the effect of ageing and improving skin elasticity, which is another reason you need more greens and protein on your plate.
It’s safe to say that giving up on fast food isn’t easy, but if you do it one step at a time, you’ll eventually start making food at home. One of the first things you need to do is add raw vegetables to your meals and learn how to steam vegetables to preserve their freshness. Then, try some healthy recipes or visit a restaurant that serves healthy alternatives. You’ll be surprised to see how easy it is to find healthy food and eat a balanced diet.
Schedule dentist appointments
We all know that we need to brush our teeth twice a day, but there are other dental health habits you should incorporate into your daily routine. For example, it’s advisable to floss at least once a day and use mouthwash to remove food particles from teeth.
Still, even if you’re taking good care of your oral health, it would be best to schedule dentist appointments at least twice a year. Preventive dental care helps maintain good oral health and detect potential issues such as plaque or cavities on time.
Establish a basic skincare routine
Taking care of your health means taking care of your skin as well. Therefore, make sure to establish a basic skincare routine and find products for your skin type. Good skincare allows your skin to stay in good condition, prevents ageing, and improves your appearance. By using adequate products, you can prevent wrinkles, acne and keep your skin hydrated and elastic at all times. What’s more, washing your face takes only a few minutes of your day, meaning you can easily add new practices to your daily routine.
Conclusion
When trying to make better choices, many people believe that the only way to improve the quality of their life is by doing something drastic. Yet, as stated earlier, it’s essential to slowly build your routine because that’s the best way to develop healthy habits.
If you’re struggling to stick to good habits, talk to your friends and family or seek professional help. Still, keep in mind that, with a little bit of effort, you can achieve everything your heart desires. Document your progress, and use that information to elevate your time-management skills or find new ways to reduce stress. That way, it will be easier to detect what you’re doing wrong and create a new routine that fits you better.
