There are simple habits we can all incorporate into our daily lives to help us live healthier, happier lives. Here are a few ideas for simple habits you can start implementing today:
1. Exercise regularly. Exercise is not only good for our physical health, but it's also beneficial for our mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day.
If your trying to get refocused on this. I find a great tip is to try something new with a friend or your partner. If you haven't read our blog on "Have you tried pickleball yet," then I definitively recommend that.
2. Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help improve our physical and mental well-being. Aim for a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Sometimes the easiest way to do this is to meal plan or follow a program. For me, I order meal boxes a couple times a week to make meal prep quick and easy. I also follow a keto diet. Check out our blog post "Have you tried Keto yet?" for more info on keto.
This keeps me looking for new ideas for meals and keeps it exciting. There is a lot of satisfaction in taking a favorite meal and turning it into a great keto friendly option. Especially if my husband and daughter don't realize they are eating a keto friendly meal.
3. Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
If you are like me, this can be a challenge. For me to achieve 7-9 hours of sleep, some of that time is spent in meditation. I usually will mediate for 20-30 minutes before bed. I use you tube, podcasts and beach body app to find my mediations. Researchers believe that 20-30 minutes in meditation or focusing on breathing, is the equivalent of getting an hour of sleep.
4. Practice gratitude. Focusing on the things you are grateful for can help shift your perspective and bring more positivity into your life. Keep a gratitude journal or share your gratitude with someone else – it can make a big difference.
I have kept a gratitude journal since I was a teenager. I keep an inconsistent practice, but I definitely know I have a better day if I practice gratitude.
5. Spend time with loved ones. Building strong, supportive relationships is crucial for our overall well-being. Make time to connect with loved ones and build those meaningful connections.
This is my number one. I am a mom to young child and it is so important for her and I spend quality time together. It doesn't matter what we are doing. Just being together makes all the difference in my day. I also keep a regular calls with my parents. I even have a pen pal agreement with my best friend. We write letters to each other as often as we can.
6. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
7. Take breaks and relax. Make time for relaxation and rejuvenation – whether that's taking a long bath, going on a vacation, or simply taking a few minutes to meditate.
By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can start to live a healthier, happier life. Remember, it's a journey and it won't happen overnight, but with consistent effort and a positive mindset, you can make it a reality.