The word “habit” usually conjures up images of negative things like smoking or nail biting, but the definition of “habit” is a regular tendency or practice, especially one that’s hard to give up.
HEALTHY HABIT NUMBER 1 – DRINK MORE WATER
Buy yourself a funky glass or stainless steel bottle (or several) and have them on hand to drink throughout the day. Carry it around with you like you would your hand bag or phone.
HEALTHY HABIT NUMBER 2 – KEEP MOVING!
Get moving more regularly! Even just walking around the block with the dog or the family is enough to get some good habits started. Walk along the beach every afternoon, take a hike on the weekends, go swimming or kayaking, or even just park the car farther away from the shopping centre entry – exercise doesn’t have to be a chore.
HEALTHY HABIT NO. 3 – INCREASE YOUR VEGETABLE INTAKE
Increase your vegetable intake. This is hard for a lot of people but so important. Even if you start by adding veggies to your snacks – make or buy some hummus or tzatziki to eat with them, add an extra serving of vegetables to your lunch or even include veggies in your breakfast. I jam-pack my spaghetti bolognese sauce full of chopped up veggies. It gives it so much more flavour as well!
HEALTHY HABIT NO. 4 – GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP!
Be in bed, lights out by 10.30pm every night. Sleep is one of the most essential components of health and wellbeing. Just one night of sleep deprivation is enough to knock our hormones out of balance…. ONE NIGHT! Ensure you’re getting your 8 hours at least and get those eyes closed by 10.30pm at the latest!
HEALTHY HABIT NO. 5 – SCHEDULE SOME ‘ME TIME’ INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Stress is a major cause of countless health issues. There is a lot we can do to lower our stress load such as scheduling in some me-time every day, even if it’s for half an hour. Sit down and read a book, run yourself a beautiful bubble bath with essential oils, candles, and soft music, even grab a cup of chamomile tea to sip while you soak up the atmosphere. If you have a busy day on your plate, try to find just 10 minutes to lay flat on your back, leave the phone alone, and be sure to do it somewhere you won’t be disturbed. This will signal to your adrenal glands that you are safe and will help them to recharge.
Just like brushing your teeth morning and night, make these healthy habits a daily ritual so they become a natural part of your everyday life.