Marilia Yamamoto
Getting started on a new journey is not an easy task. Taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle can be especially daunting. It can feel like you need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Luckily, healthy living doesn’t have a deadline: making small, gradual changes is a great way to make healthy habits stick!
Try these 5 tips if you’re looking to build healthy habits into your routine:
1. JUST MOVE!
If you are living a sedentary lifestyle, getting active can seem overwhelming. However, there really is no need to rush into anything! The best kind of exercise is whatever you can regularly fit into your routine: whether that means joining a weekly class at the local yoga studio or taking a short walk during your lunch break at work.
2. DRINK UP
It’s a well-known fact that drinking water is a vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle. This is especially important if you’re a regular coffee or tea drinker. But, if drinking enough water is a challenge for you, try switching it up by adding lemon or cucumber slices! As well, some foods with high water contents, such as watermelons, cucumbers, or spinach, can also help you increase your fluid intake.
It’s a well-known fact that drinking water is a vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle. This is especially important if you’re a regular coffee or tea drinker. But, if drinking enough water is a challenge for you, try switching it up by adding lemon or cucumber slices! As well, some foods with high water contents, such as watermelons, cucumbers, or spinach, can also help you increase your fluid intake.
3. GO TO BED ON TIME
An inconsistent sleep schedule can cause a variety of negative effects, from irritability and drowsiness to impaired cognitive skills. By sticking to the same schedule every night, you allow your body to regulate your circadian rhythm (that’s your body’s internal clock), for a more consistent and restful sleep. Getting used to a new sleep-wake cycle is challenging. Try gradually adjusting your bedtime and wake-up time until you get used to your new schedule.
An inconsistent sleep schedule can cause a variety of negative effects, from irritability and drowsiness to impaired cognitive skills. By sticking to the same schedule every night, you allow your body to regulate your circadian rhythm (that’s your body’s internal clock), for a more consistent and restful sleep. Getting used to a new sleep-wake cycle is challenging. Try gradually adjusting your bedtime and wake-up time until you get used to your new schedule.
4. REMEMBER TO BREATHE
Practicing meditation regularly is a great way to decrease stress, increase focus, and control anxiety, among other benefits. It can be done anywhere and there are many different styles and approaches, making it easy to adapt to your unique lifestyle and preferences. Luckily, there are many apps available for curious beginners and veterans alike!5. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Taking the time to reflect about your day and record your thoughts and feelings can be quite therapeutic in and of itself. Likewise, acknowledging and giving thanks for the positive things in life has been shown to have long-term beneficial effects for your mental and physical health. Writing down a few sentences or a short list of highlights at the end of the day only takes a few minutes and has a very real impact! If you need some help getting started, check out these gratitude journal prompts.