Feeling like you need a health overhaul but not sure where to start? Sometimes the biggest hurdle to making lasting change is feeling like you have to do everything at once. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Making small tweaks to your routine can have a big impact on your overall health and wellness.
Here are some small daily habits you can start incorporating into your day today.
1. Eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up
Did you know that breakfast jump-starts your metabolism for the day? Eating a nutritious breakfast prevents overeating later in the day and provides you with sustained energy to power through your morning. If you’re not a morning person, try prepping your breakfast the night before so all you have to do is heat it up and eat it when you wake up.
2. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning
Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health, but it’s especially important first thing in the morning. After sleeping, your body is dehydrated and needs fluids to rehydrate and start the day. Drinking a glass of water right when you wake up helps jump start your metabolism and prevents headaches and fatigue later on.
3. Take a brisk 10-minute walk every day
Not only does walking get your blood flowing, but studies have shown that taking a daily walk can improve memory and cognitive function, reduce stress levels, and even ward off chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke. And there’s no need to go hard—a moderate pace will suffice. If 10 minutes feels like too much at first, start with 5 minutes and work your way up.
4. Get enough sleep
Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep is important for physical and mental health. While you sleep, your body repairs itself and recharges for the next day. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re more likely to be tired during the day and vulnerable to illness.
5. Take breaks
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s important to take a step back and give yourself a break. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to yourself for some deep breathing or going for a walk outdoors, taking mini-breaks throughout the day can help improve your productivity and mental state.
6. Limit screen time
It’s no secret that too much screen time can be bad for our health. Prolonged exposure to blue light from screens can disrupt our sleep patterns and lead to eye strain and headaches. Try to limit your screen time by setting aside specific periods of the day for screen-based activities such as working or browsing social media. During other times of the day, put away your electronic devices and focus on enjoying the world around you.
7. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and surroundings without judgement. It may seem like a difficult task but there are plenty of ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life such as meditating for even just 5 minutes per day or paying attention to your breathing throughout the day. By being more mindful, you can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall well-being.
Ready?
Making small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact on your overall health! Try incorporating these healthy habits into your day and see how you feel after a week or two. Just remember to be patient with yourself—good habits take time to form!
2018 ·