Being healthy is not just a temporary thing but about creating a new, healthier lifestyle for yourself. There are lots of small ways that you can make a big change to your everyday life. And, they aren’t just physical! Many of the ways we can stay healthy is by looking after our mental health, too. These simple habits will make you feel and look better and will hopefully encourage you to continue looking after and being kinder to yourself on a regular basis. Remember, it takes 21 days to make something a habit so don’t give up before then! Here are 12 healthy habits for you to start doing every day.
We’ve all heard this one before it is really important that you do drink enough water, probably about 2 litres a day. But, if you can gradually start drinking more and carrying a reusable water bottle around with you – that’s better than nothing! Water will help to stop us from feeling dehydrated and will help your skin look better from the inside!
Instead of scrolling through your Instagram as soon as you wake up (we all are guilty to this!), focus on yourself for at least the first 10 minutes of your day. Sit with yourself and check in to see how your feeling before you go about your busy day. Focus on your breathing and just concentrate on that – not what you have to do later on! There are loads of apps out there like Headspace that can guide you through a meditation and allow you to track your minutes each day.
Although we all have bad days, if you can convince yourself that things are going to be okay (and they will be), it will be easier to deal with a lot. And if today is really bad, accept it and tomorrow will always be better! Thinking more positively is a mindset and if you can everyday think of a few things that you are grateful for, it will make it an easier habit to follow. This is one of the most important healthy habits!
Exercise makes our bodies feel better but it is also an amazing way to boost your mood as it release endorphins, which makes us feel good. Regular exercise can help with weight loss and an improvement in mood over time. Find a sport or exercise that you really love and stick to it! If you can exercise at least 3 times a week, that’s amazing!
Walking is free exercise. It can be a great way to clear your head and explore the world around you. Or, plug in to a podcast and listen to interesting people talk about topics you have never really thought about before. It can save you money on travel and will mean that you get your recommended 10,000 steps in! This is one of the healthy habits that is easy to do and really good for your overall health!
Another obvious one but 6-8 hours sleep (and sometimes more) is important when looking after ourselves. Feeling tired will affect other aspects of our lives and will make us more likely to eat less healthily or not want to exercise. If you can, keep your phone or laptop away from your bed as it might interrupt your sleep or distract you when you’re lying in bed.
Reading is great for our mind and can help us to see the world differently. If possible, buy an actual book instead of reading from a screen – it’s better for our eyes and will mean that we’re less likely to get distracted by incoming messages.
Give yourself a break and, for example, take the time for yourself to read a book or go for a walk. Try and set a few hours a day where you do not look at your phone. Go out and see your friends and encourage each other to enjoy each other’s company instead of check your phones.
If you eat regularly, whether a few meals a day or smaller snacking meals, it will be better for your digestion and will help you get into the rhythm of eating better.
This means eating enough green veggies and fruits! In whatever way works for you, eat more salads or blend it all up and make a smoothie. Your skin, hair and body will thank you for it! This is one of the most important healthy habits!
Take a bath, put on a face mask or make yourself a manicure appointment or even book a massage! Do something to show some love to you. Taking some time each day to love your body instead of constantly criticizing it can help you to feel more positive and at peace with yourself. This will make it easier to follow other habits as you will truly want to look after every part of you.
It sounds superficial but if you wear a top that you have been wanting to for a while or style your hair differently, it can help you to feel better on the inside. This does not necessarily mean wearing make up but just showing yourself some love by looking after your appearance. After all, for many of us, it’s the getting ready part of any social occasion that’s the best part – right?!
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