7 Healthy Habits to start TODAY
Most of us want to be healthier, but trying to find a good place to start can feel overwhelming. Here are 7 healthy habits you can start RIGHT NOW! If you’re feeling confident, you can try taking them all on at once, but if you’re looking to build habits in a more sustainable way, we suggest starting with one and then building up to more over time.
1. Get enough sleep.
If you’re looking to make some healthy changes to your life, you should start by allowing yourself to get enough sleep. Most adults need somewhere between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night; sleep deprivation can cause a lot of physical, mental, and emotional problems, from sickness to stress to lack of concentration. If you enjoy exercise, your body needs sleep in order for your muscles to recover properly. Additionally, adequate sleep can boost your immune system and help prevent depression. In other words: EVERYONE needs adequate sleep. Create a sleep schedule that works for you. No more excuses: start getting to bed at a reasonable time today!
2. Drink lots of water.
The exact amount of water that a person needs is pretty subjective, but the rule is to try and drink AT LEAST eight 8-oz glasses of water. That’s 64 ounces total! Some people go the extra mile and try to drink a whole gallon of water every single day, which is double the 8 x 8 rule (128 oz total). However much water you decide to drink, staying properly hydrated can improve your brain function, give you the energy boost you need to get through your day, improve your athletic performance, and help flush harmful toxins from your system.
3. Take 30 minute walks.
We all know that exercise is good for us, but the idea of playing a sport, running, or dedicating hours in the gym can feel intimidating. A simple but effective way to make sure you’re getting the exercise you need is to take daily 30 minute walks. You don’t even have to go to the gym; start by walking around your neighborhood or looking into a local park to visit!
4. Put social media away.
Let’s talk about mental health. Most of us spend way too much time scrolling through social media every day, which leads to us playing the comparison game. Put your phone–and social media–away and do something creative or productive instead. We think you’ll be surprised by how much better you feel afterward!
5. Journal/meditate.
Once you put your phone away for a bit, you can try journaling or meditating, which are both great ways to help boost your mental health. Journaling can help get rid of unwanted tension or stress in the body while meditation helps you practice mindfulness. You can even journal about how your meditation goes!
6. Skip out on fast food.
Let’s be honest: fast food is easy and tasty. It’s no wonder we all eat it so much! But if you’re trying to make healthier choices, it’s a good idea to try and skip eating fast food altogether. Most fast food is fried and full of empty calories, which is fine every once in a while but bad when it becomes a habit. If you MUST eat fast food, try eating one of the restaurant’s salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, or other healthier menu options!
7. Get your daily fruits and veggies.
Maybe you’re not ready to give up fast food completely. That’s okay; it can definitely be addicting. But you can make sure you get your daily servings of fruits and veggies by snacking on them throughout the day. Fruits and veggies alike are full of antioxidants and vitamins that can help flush toxins from your system just like proper hydration can. Consider starting your day with an apple and eating some carrots with hummus for an afternoon snack!
Making healthy choices all at once is hard. That’s why everyone should start with smaller habits and then work their way up. You can change your life for the better by making small choices today. We believe in you!