Are you feeling a little stressed out? Are you feeling somewhat run down? Are you tired all the time? If you said yes to any of these questions maybe it’s time to look at your daily activities and make some changes.
We all know that eating healthy and adopting good lifestyle habits are excellent things to do. We all want to be happy and lead productive lives. But sometimes life just gets in the way and we slip into habits that are not necessarily good for us. Don’t despair! There are many ways to introduce healthy habits without disrupting your life or breaking the bank. A few simple tweaks in your daily life can have you feeling better about yourself in no time.
Some good habits are easier to incorporate than others. You will start seeing a difference in your body and your life sooner than you think. This can be done by changing some behaviors here and there and readjusting your mindset about certain activities.
It’s never too late and you’re never too old to start healthy habits. Here’s a list of ways and habits to improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
14 Habits of Healthy People
There are many ways to improve your body and emotional well-being. Healthy people are not only physically fit, but also emotionally stable and mindful about their lives and activities.
1. Drink Lots of Water 💧
Our bodies are basically made up of 60% water. There’s certainly a lot of documentation out there, recommending drinking plenty of water every day to keep your body squeaky clean and working properly.
Dehydration can cause headaches, constipation, and other unpleasant physical discomforts. Getting plenty of water in your body every day can even make you feel less hungry and help with weight loss.
You hear a lot of recommendations to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t reach this amount because your water intake can also come from other liquid beverages and even certain foods.
Just be mindful of getting enough fluids into your body every day. There are even some cool hydration apps to remind you of drinking water every day.
2. Walk More Often / Exercise 🏃♂️
We all know that getting regular exercise is good for our bodies. Try other physical activities that are stimulating for you if you don’t enjoy going to the gym. Join a walking club or a dance class. Just don’t stay sedentary.
One of the simplest things we can do to incorporate some exercise into our daily lives is to walk instead of taking the car or public transport. Maybe you don’t have time to hit the gym every day, but if you ditch the elevators and use the stairs you are automatically moving your muscles and helping your heart.
A stroll around the block in the evening can also help improve your health. Have you been thinking of adopting a dog? A dog will have you up and out the door for walks a few times a day. Great way to introduce regular walking into your life and enjoy the company of a furry friend.
3. Reduce Animal Consumption / Add More Vegetables 🥦
Eating healthy is one of the most vital things you can do to improve your life. We often hear “you are what you eat”. This statement is absolutely true and your body will be fuelled by whatever nutrients you are providing it on a daily basis. Feed it crap and you will feel like crap!
Reducing fat, salt, and sugar intake will have your body thanking you. Adding greens, grains, and other healthy foods will energize your body in the right way for the long-run.
Try cutting out animal products in your diet by going vegetarian one day a week. Your body and the planet will both benefit.
4. Sleep Well 💤
This has got to be one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy and productive. Good sleeping habits are vital if you want to wake up energized and ready for your day. Try to get enough deep sleep every night to restore your energy and immune system.
Look into possible solutions if you aren’t feeling rested in the morning. You may have a sleep disorder that needs taking care of. Remember, sleep is precious!
5. Eat More at Home 🏠
You will know exactly what you are eating if you cook your own meals. Restaurant food is sometimes packed with salt or fat and you are unaware of the actual amount that you are consuming.
Also, cooking at home can increase precious bonding time with your family.
6. Socialize 🥂
We are social creatures. We benefit emotionally and mentally by having regular contact with our friends and with those whose company we enjoy.
Make those lunch dates or evenings out with the gang. Socializing can even help reduce stress and anxiety.
7. Meditate 🧘
Meditation is proven to quiet the mind and to help heal the body. Those who practice regular meditation are more self-aware and hold better emotional health. Start with a few minutes a day and stick with it. In time you will notice your mind calm down more readily and for longer periods.
Have you tried sleep meditation? Meditation can also help you sleep better and we all know the importance of good sleep.
8. Learn something new 📖
Never stop learning! Learning something new keeps our minds curious and our brains healthy. Learn a new language or take a cooking class; whatever you feel will stimulate your brain and keep those neurons active.
9. Take a Vacation 🏖️
Traveling to a new country can be life-changing. Learning about a different country and trying new foods will enrich your views on life, people, and the world.
Maybe a trip to the Galapagos Islands or Madagascar is not possible for you right now. You can start with a simple all-inclusive retreat and see how relaxed and re-energized you are when you get back.
10. Take naps 😴
Naps have a slew of health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to improving your mood.
11. Listen to Music 🎵
Music can relax, reduce stress, and even inspire your thoughts. Listen to music at work at home, in the car, or while out for a walk. It’s very easy to incorporate into our lives.
Listen to relaxing music before bedtime can also help you get better sleep.
12. Go Outside 🌲
Nature is a great healer. Spending time by a river or walking among trees can reduce stress and anxiety. Go out and have your lunch in the park if you can and get back to work revitalized.
Ever try sleeping outside? It can be quite exhilarating and fun.
13. Disconnect 🔌
Oh, how we love our devices! Today it’s practically impossible to live without a smartphone or other electronic device that literally has us connected to the entire world. It does have its advantages but it can also have its disadvantages.
It is proven that spending too much time on social media can actually leave you feeling inadequate and depressed. Set some boundaries for yourself and take some much needed time to disconnect from the smartphone in order to reconnect with yourself.
14. Practice Gratefulness and Forgiveness 🍃
Forgiveness is not always easy, we know. People hurt us, life gets messy. Harboring angry feelings can have negative impacts on your life and health. Reducing negative feelings and empowering positive ones will have you feeling better about yourself and your life. Learn to forgive and to let go and see how empowered you feel.
Being grateful for what you have and for your life will leave you with a sense of fulfillment. Create a grateful journal and write 3 things that you are grateful for every day.
What Are the Benefits of Healthy Habits
- Improves Your Mood
Your emotional well-being can determine if you’re going to have a good day or not. You are sure to set your day off to the wrong start if you wake up with a black cloud over your head and only think of negative things first thing in the morning.
Many healthy habits like exercise and getting enough sleep will help improve your mood and boost those happy hormones. Nobody wants to be around a cranky-pants anyways.
- Keeps Away Illnesses / Boosts Your Immune System
Staying healthy and taking care of your body is vital if you want to have a productive day. It’s difficult to do certain activities when your body is aching or when disease sets in.
Many healthy habits will keep your body at its best and give you the strength you need to ward off anything that can interfere with your happy life.
- Boosts Your Energy and Self-esteem
When you feel great you look great! Simple as that. Healthy habits like eating good foods and exercising regularly will keep your body fit and energy level up during the day. Your self-esteem will go through the roof when you see the changes in the mirror and are proud of your accomplishments.
- Improves Quality of Life and Longevity
Everybody wants to live to a ripe old age, right? Everybody also wants to be active and healthy in those years. Taking care of your body and mind now can ensure a better quality of life in the long-run.
- Helps to Keep a Healthy Weight
Carrying around those extra pounds can be a burden on your physical and emotional well-being. Adopting healthy eating habits and even getting enough sleep can have an impact on your weight.
Takeaway
Adopt all these good habits or incorporate a few of them slowly into your daily life. Go at your own pace and set attainable objectives for better results. This way there is less room for failure and setbacks. Don’t be hard on yourself and give yourself praise for the small steps and achievements.
A few simple steps to a happier and healthier you.
