What comes to mind when you read the words ‘healthy habits’? Healthier food habits? Exercising? Getting rid off excess junk from your home? Lifestyle changes? Whatever it may be, you’re on the right track; healthy habits could be anything related to your life, no matter how old you may be.
You obviously want to begin your day on a good note and I find that getting a good night’s rest really helps. It doesn’t necessarily mean eight or over eight hours of solid sleep. Sleep patterns and hours can vary depending on your age and lifestyle but if you can try to count in at least five hours of good sleep, you’re good to go. Also, it helps to keep thinking out loud of how good a rest you had to make your body and mind believe that you actually did. Create a night and morning routine that works for you and will help you achieve this. Having a relaxed hour or so before bed, and waking up to a routine the next day are great habits to adopt as you go.
I don’t do this enough but remind yourself to continuously hydrate your body. 70% of our bodies hold water and are in need of liquids; if we don’t feed it what it needs, your body is going to feel dehydrated, lack energy and eventually not function as it should. You may have read multiple articles on how you should drink eight to ten glasses of water a day, but then again this varies too. Simply, drink as much as you can; I find that a large mug every morning, before a meal, after a meal, in between snacks, and a final one before bed is the best way I can adopt this healthy habit.
It’s important that you feed your body good food and by that I mean, the right amount of nutrients and vitamins it requires. Adopting a strict clean diet without giving yourself the opportunity to indulge on a treat every now and then isn’t the way to live life. You’re going to go through your daily routine unhappily depriving yourself, when you simply plan your meals around giving in to a treat or two. Exercise is another way you can take care of your body; whether it’s a sport you enjoy, walking, running or yoga, choose one that you enjoy and can see yourself adopting into your lifestyle. You don’t have to stick to doing it every single day of the week. Instead, twice or thrice a week is good enough.
As much as it is important to feed and nourish your body, you should be doing the same for your mind. We can tend to get caught up in the fast-paced world that we live in, with technology taking over every step of our lives. What I’d recommend is to escape from all that rush every now and then, and clear and refresh your mind. Whether it’s keeping aside your phone and other gadgets for a couple of hours a day, taking a vacation, meditating or even speaking with a therapist, choose what works and helps you.
Surrounding yourself with the people and things that you love and enjoy is another great habit you should adopt. Ever have toxic people that suck the life and energy out of you? I’ve had a few negative souls that I had to cut ties with and in all honesty, having a small circle of very close, and truly understanding compassionate friends is way better than having a hundred that make me feel all things negative and add weight to my shoulders. I also love books, so I make it a point to read one at least once a month (I aim for two).
Life is only as complicated as you make it seem. Have positive thoughts and a positive mind, let it out into the universe, and it will come back to you in great ways. If you believe in karma, then you’d understand exactly what I’m saying. Do good things, be a good person, have good thoughts and it’ll come back to you in exactly those forms. Put a smile on that face and face the day in a positive and healthier manner. It’s not rocket science; good luck!
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