If you’re looking for small ways to improve your lifestyle, and you want them to be both efficient and effective, you’ve come to the right place. Here are fifteen new healthy habits to change your lifestyle for good!
Routine is really the only way to make real change happen. Whether it be something simple, like reading for twenty minutes or going to the gym at the same time, giving your schedule a tiny bit of consistency can help you feel a lot more productive and structured throughout the rest of the day.
Our parents and doctors didn’t lie to us! Having, even a mild, breakfast every day can give your mornings the kickstart you need. Your mind will be clearer and you’ll find concentration a lot easier when there’s something in your stomach. Calculate a few additional minutes every day to either grab or make something to eat in the morning, and you’ll be grateful you did.
Water is one of the quickest ways to feel healthier. Whether you’re experiencing a headache, or having trouble sleeping, drinking water is the solution to a lot of these problems. Try to slowly incorporate more water into your day. Get yourself a reusable bottle, replace your mealtime drinks, or download one of those fun water tracking apps on your phone- whatever motivates you! Just get yourself hydrated.
Even the most extroverted of people need some time to recharge. Sometimes the days can be so hectic and loud, that we don’t get a lot of time to ourselves to think and regroup. Finding time to be alone can really improve your wellbeing, as well as get you more comfortable with your own personal thoughts. Turn off the music, don’t respond to any texts, and let yourself relax in solitude, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
There are many ways to connect to the great outdoors. You can take a stroll in a garden, go for a morning jog around your neighborhood, or take lunch outside with your friends or family. Just get yourself out there for a little while. Take note of the nature around you- sounds, smells, textures. The outdoors is a fantastic way to find some healthy peace.
Keeping your brain active and occupied is also a big way of feeling like you’ve got a healthy lifestyle. Motivate yourself to learn something new, setting little attainable goals for yourself. Some might include reading on the daily, practicing a new language, taking up an instrument, or writing in a journal. Just as long as you’re keeping the gears in your brain turning, and feeling yourself learning new things.
Planning out your meals, or cooking them yourself if possible, is a good way of keeping track of what you’re eating on a daily basis. If there’s any particular changes you want to make to your diet, keeping track of the meals you have is an effective way of making sure these changes happen. As well as this, the process of planning or cooking can be cathartic in it’s own way too.
Even in the digital age we live in, it can’t possibly be healthy to put so much energy into social media. Take some time to detach yourself from the online world. There are even social media restrictions you can place on your phone if you need some additional motivation. Your eyes and your brain will both be thankful for the much needed rest.
At least for me personally, I find that watching my favorite sitcoms, listening to my guilty pleasures playlist, or putting on a light and familiar film, can really improve my mood. Even if it’s just reruns of a show you used to love, the nostalgia and familiarity will help you feel a lot more comfortable- almost as if you were hanging out with old friends.
Everyone you know is probably also trying to incorporate some new healthy habits into their lives, and may even be struggling with similar things. Checking up on the people you love is extremely beneficial for both of you! Take time to talk about your days, how you’re feeling, and what you’re needing. It’s important to check in on your loved ones. Even if it’s just for a quick laugh on the commute home, you’ll both feel better for it.
It isn’t selfish to want to be looked after either. If you’re struggling mentally, want to reach a certain goal, or quit a bad habit, let the people around you know. If they can really understand your situation, they can more effectively help you out. Put your trust into those that love you, because support is a two-way street.
This one’s difficult for me, but I recognize its importance! Whenever you can, let yourself sleep in. Mainly, though, it goes back to routine. Having a set sleep time, as well as a set wake up time, can improve your sleep schedule and sleeping habits immensely. Don’t spend unnecessary time in your bed, and use it exclusively for sleep and sex. That way, you’ll associate it with this, and be able fall asleep quicker.
Taking time off from work or school or the world in general to nurse your mental health should be completely normalized. If things are suddenly too overwhelming for you, and you feel like you need to hit pause on life for a bit, do it! Always put your mental health needs first, and don’t pressure yourself to meet every goal or deadline you’ve set for yourself if it’s putting you at risk.
There’s nothing more motivating than having something to do! Set some short term and long term goals for yourself. Nothing too intense, but just enough to have you looking forward to something every day. The satisfaction that comes along with achieving something is incomparable.
15. Spoil Yourself Every Once In A While
Be a little narcissistic! Have a bath with flower petals and scented bath salts and face masks. Buy the thing that’s been sitting in your Amazon wish list for weeks! Put on your favorite outfit and go out on the town. Don’t feel guilty about spoiling yourself- you deserve it!
The most important thing to remember when taking care of yourself is to listen to your body’s needs, figure out what works for you, and cut yourself some slack. Following these healthy habits is a good way to get started. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself feeling a whole lot fresher.
Featured Image Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/176484879134499759/
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