This year I’m making a more concerted effort to live a healthier lifestyle… but what does a healthier lifestyle actually mean? More than that, this is my question to the Universe – why do so many people shy away from healthy living? Maybe it’s the word lifestyle itself which immediately makes everyone assume that this is going to be difficult… I mean it is changing your whole life after all, and that in itself sounds hard.
So, here’s what I’ve learnt from my first six months of trying to live a healthier lifestyle – yes, it is hard but it’s also not impossible.
Healthy living consists of many little habits that can be adopted as slowly or as fast as you like. They can be taken on one at a time or all at once – it really is entirely up to you. It takes time. Building a habit means learning to do something over and over again until it becomes second nature and there will be days when you forget, get too busy or just crave something out of the ordinary. That’s okay.
But, in the end, the benefits will speak for themselves. You will feel good about yourself both inside and out. You’ll feel more focused and productive which in turn will inspire and motivate you to do more and be more! Really, it’s a win-win situation.
To help you with living a healthier lifestyle I’ve made a list of 20 things you can start doing today to start living a healthier lifestyle. Every little step counts so start small and build on that!
Habit 1) Go for a 15-minute walk sometime during your day. It could be first thing in the morning or after dinner at night. The fresh air will clear your mind and you’ll get a few extra steps in that you normally wouldn’t.
Habit 2) Get more sleep. Ideally, we need around 6 – 8 hours of sleep but with busy schedules this can be impossible at times. Start by making a concerted effort to get in an extra hour and see how you feel.
Habit 3) Eat 2 servings of fruit every day. Work this in to your daily routine and set an alarm on your phone if you need a reminder.
Habit 4) Practice some form of mindfulness every day. This could be 15 minutes of yoga, meditations or journaling.
Habit 5) Listen to a TED talk or a podcast. Try doing this when you’re winding down in the evening or doing your night time skin care routine.
Habit 6) Drink more water. Try this for two weeks and see the difference in your skin. More than that, you’ll feel the difference in your body!
Habit 7) Pack your own lunch for work. With busy schedules its sometimes easier to grab food on the go or even skip lunch. Both options are generally less healthy than packing your own lunch. Work time into your evening routine and try it for a week.
Habit 8) Disconnect from your phone for at least an hour every day.
Habit 9) Create a healthy and productive morning routine. This could include 20 minutes of moving your body, reading or even journaling.
Habit 10) Read more. Find a good book that’s going to inspire and motivate you and try reading at least two pages every day.
Habit 11) Start taking strategic breaks throughout your work day. This is important for your mental and physical health. Step away from your desk and go for a walk around the block, take your lunch break away from your desk or go outside for some fresh air.
Habit 12) Eat more vegetables. Try and work in at least 3 servings if possible.
Habit 13) Stop eating late. Try to have dinner before 7 pm. This gives your body enough time to digest your food before jumping on the couch or into bed.
Habit 14) Practise speaking positive affirmations every day.
Habit 15) Write down your goals. Clearly define your goals so you can actively pursue them.
Habit 16) Practise your skincare routine every morning and night.
Habit 17) Start tracking your fitness progress in a journal.
Habit 18) Start cooking healthy meals at home rather than buying take out. It will help you be more mindful about what’s going into your body.
Habit 19) Challenge yourself. the best way to grow, both physically and mentally is by challenging yourself. Slowly but surely push yourself in little ways.
Habit 20) Have breakfast! It will boost your metabolism and stop you from overeating later.
What are your go-to habits for a healthier lifestyle?