If you are like most people, then you probably have some routines in your life. It is easy to fall into a rhythm in many aspects of your life, including work, school, parenting, hobbies, social engagements, and even health. What is far more difficult is breaking habits that you have gotten used to.
When you decide to live a healthy lifestyle, the habits that you form or get rid of will have a significant impact on your wellness journey. Negative behaviors can hold you back from reaching a certain level of wellness. You might even have behaviors that you don’t even realize are negating any of the positive habits that you are forming.
It is crucial that you understand what habits to form that will support your healthy lifestyle rather than take away from it. Here are a few suggestions for changes that may need to take place in your routines to accomplish your goals.
Put Your Feet on the Floor After the Alarm
Mornings are an important part of the day. Your routines, including how you wake yourself up, can determine how the rest of the day will go. One big mistake that you might be making is hitting the snooze button over and over. While it might feel like you are trying to get some extra sleep which sounds like a positive thing, these short bursts of sleep provide no health benefits. They are likely contributing to feelings of tiredness throughout the day.
Instead of hitting the snooze button or lying still for a few minutes, take a big step and put your feet on the floor. This signals to your brain and body that it is time to rev up their activity levels. After practicing this habit for a while, you will likely notice a lack of tiredness during the day, making it easier to focus on health and other tasks.
Track Your Water Intake
Do you want to know why drinking water is so important? There are numerous benefits to hydrating with the right levels of H2O throughout the day. It can improve your sleeping patterns, regulate body temperature, sustain cellular structures, and support your immune system. Unfortunately, most people are not in the habit of drinking the recommended amount each day.
Tracking your water intake with reusable bottles that display fluid ounce measurements is the best way to ensure that you are hydrating sufficiently. A couple refills a day and you will know your exact water intake, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Pay Attention to Vitamins and Minerals
Your cells require supplies in the form of vitamins and minerals to be effective. Otherwise, your body cannot maintain all its various functions. The food that you eat is the main source of nutrient delivery, so eating a balanced diet is key to being a healthier person. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy can provide the bulk of the vitamins and minerals that your cells need every day.
To push your nutrient intake a step further, you can also pair supplements for vitamins and minerals with your balanced diet to boost levels further. These products can support your healthy diet.
Reduce Time Spent Sitting
Many Americans spend a large portion of their days sitting down, either at home, school, or work. When you remain in this position for hours at a time, it can do damage to your body. The risks of sitting all day are numerous and include potential health problems like increased blood pressure, obesity, raised cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar.
A new habit you should form is taking breaks from sitting. If you work at a desk all day, consider investing in or asking your boss for an adjustable desk that allows you to stand and work sometimes. Get up and walk around for a little bit to stretch out your muscles.
Soak Up the Sun
Exposure to direct sunlight can also support a healthy lifestyle, with limits of course. Your skin can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, which is an important nutrient in the body. It can also boost your mood, help regulate body temperature, and result in better sleep. There is a point at which sun exposure can become harmful, but if you know how to manage your time, then you can experience the benefits without the risks.
Habits Take Time to Form
Deciding to lead a healthy lifestyle is much easier said than done. You may have to make big changes in your life to cut out bad habits and form new ones that promote wellness. The keys to success are perseverance and forgiveness. It may take time before these new habits feel like a part of your routine. Additionally, there will be times when you fall short. Be ready to forgive yourself when you take a step off the path so that you are not too discouraged to continue.
