It’s a new year, and a great time to think about building healthier routines. Habits are built with consistent effort, day after day. Here are 10 healthy habits that can change your life. These habits work together to create a positive impact on your life. If you’re not sure where to start, pick a few habits to focus on. Once you master them, add more. Focus on making progress, not on being perfect.
Start Your Day Right
Rise Early and Create a Morning Routine
Before starting YouTube, my mornings were not structured. But, the older I got, the more important it became to have a morning routine. Mornings should be a time for self-care. When you wake up, jump out of bed. It can be a game changer.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is key to happiness. I remember a trip to Africa where I saw a lot of poverty. Despite this, people were friendly, happy, and positive. They were grateful for what they had. In today’s world, many people don’t take the time to appreciate what they have. Practicing gratitude every day is an easy way to find happiness. It sets you up for a fulfilling life.
Get Ready in the Morning
Getting ready in the morning can make you feel better. When you stay in your sweats all day, you may feel low energy. But when you take the time to get ready, you feel alive.
This could mean:
- Putting on makeup
- Doing your hair
- Picking out an outfit that makes you feel good
Visualize the person you want to become. What do they do? What do they wear?
Fuel Your Body and Mind
Move Every Day
Movement and working out have benefits. They help your mood, energy, and sleep. My training includes Pilates and strength training. I do strength training two or three times a week. I also do Pilates two or three times a week. Strength training helps me build muscle and feel strong. Pilates is low impact and focuses on the core. On rest days, I stretch. I also try to walk 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
Movement is key. Even a few times a week can make you feel better. Your mind will be clearer, and your sleep will improve.
Nourish with Intention
This means eating healthy foods and eating mindfully. Focus on eating whole foods instead of processed foods. It’s also important to eat enough protein.
Protein is important for:
- Muscle building
- Energy levels
- Muscle repair
- Skin health
- Hormone health
Make protein the base of each meal. Then, add carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and veggies. Nutrition affects how you feel and think.
Change Your Mindset
Change your mindset from “I have to” to “I get to.” Instead of saying, “I have to work out,” say, “I get to work out.” This mindset brings positivity, motivation, and consistency into your life. It’s a habit that can really change your outlook.
Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water. Carry a water bottle with you and refill it often. Put a water bottle next to your bed. That way, you can hydrate as soon as you wake up.
Protect Your Well-being
Limit Screen Time
It’s hard to set boundaries around phone use and social media. Try not to look at your phone for the first hour after you wake up. This preserves your cortisol levels and gives you time for self-care. At night, turn off your screens 45 minutes before bed. Mindless scrolling affects your brain and sleep. Instead, read a book or hang out on the couch.
The content you consume affects your brain. Being aware of your screen time helps your happiness and mental health.
Plan Your Day
Plan your day the night before. Do a 5-minute brain dump. When you feel overwhelmed, get all the thoughts out of your head. Keep a to-do list and write down what you need to do the next day. This helps you wake up feeling more prepared.
Also, do a 5-minute brain dump. Write down anything you want to get out. This could be how you’re feeling or something about your day. This helps with sleep because you can turn off your thoughts. Stress and anxiety often come from our thoughts and emotions. Writing things down helps you process these emotions.
Connect with Nature and Loved Ones
Connect with nature and loved ones every day. This could be a walk outside or a text to a friend or family member. A small gesture can mean a lot to someone else. There’s beauty in giving and doing something for others.
Conclusion
Implementing 10 habits at once can be overwhelming. Growing as a person and creating a life you love is achievable. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on progress. What habits will you start with?