We know it’s not always easy adopting new habits. But, healthy habits are key to a healthy life, so they’re well worth cultivating.
There’s a lot that goes into being healthy: diet, nutrition, fitness. Tackling this all at once, especially if you’re already a busy person, could be overwhelming. It’s okay to start small. When it comes to building healthy habits, small decisions add up over time!
Here are five ways to kick-start healthy habits:
Set reminders
The best way to build a habit is consistency. So, pick a healthy habit you want to adopt that can reasonably work with your daily schedule.
One easy idea for a healthy, daily activity is a 10-minute walk. Find a time that works for your schedule and set yourself a daily alarm.
When your alarm goes off, it’s time to get walking!
Drink 1 extra glass of water a day
Perhaps the healthiest habit out there is drinking more water. So, if you want to kick-start healthy habits, this is a great one to get going with.
Start by drinking just 1 “extra” glass of water a day, and gradually increase the amount. If plain water isn’t your favorite, try infusing it with fruit, like watermelon, or try a store-bought flavor additive.
Tip: a glass of water when you wake up is a great way to energize your morning routine.
Correct your posture
Keeping good posture helps prevent aches and pains, as well as reduces the stress on your ligaments. It can also reduce fatigue and risk of long-term back problems.
A lot of us spend our days hunched over a desk or computer. So, leave yourself a note where you can see it to remind you to sit up straight when you notice you’re slouching. Your posture won’t be fixed overnight, but making efforts to correct your posture each day will improve it over time.
Stretching is also an excellent way to improve posture and prevent injury. As little as 2 minutes of stretching a day can make a difference, so make time for it!
Go to bed 30 minutes earlier
Sleep affects energy levels, eating habits, heart health, mood, and so much more. But, a lot of people don’t get enough of it. This can lead to weight gain, higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, fatigue, and hormone imbalance.
Identify your usual bedtime and set yourself an alarm to get to bed 30 minutes earlier. Once that alarm buzzes, turn off your phone and catch some Z’s!
Take the stairs
If there’s stairs at your home or office, take them! While it might be tempting to avoid the stairs, taking the stairs is an easy way to give your leg muscles a burst of activity and exercise.
Working from home? If there’s stairs around, instead of spending your break on Instagram, walk up and down the stairs a few times to work your cardio.
If you adopt these five practices, awesome! You’re well on your way to healthy habits.