Implement these 5 Simple Habits Today for the Healthiest You

Living a healthy life is simple. It’s not the easiest but it is simple. This is where the value of implementing healthy daily habits into your life to create long term health is priceless. 

1.   Start drinking more water!

Aim to drink at least half of your body weight of water every day. Tap water, bottled water, seltzer water…it’s up to you. Feel free to infuse or flavor it with lemon, lime, or any other fruit. Is water too boring for you? Sprinkle in some flavor with a product like Ultima or Mio to mix it up. Water is great for your health; it regulates body temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, rids your body of waste (it’s great for keeping your skin clear and young!), and it helps protect your spinal cord and additional sensitive tissues. Let’s make TODAY the day we clear out all the sugary drinks and replace them with healthy water! 

2.   Eat those vegetables.

Are you surprised? Of course, this is listed! Veggies are not overrated, they are loaded with vitamins and minerals that produce energy, support immune function, bone health, satiety, growth, blood clotting, and so many more necessary body functions. Need I say more? Veggies can be equally delicious as they are nutritious, you just have to put some love into them. Aim to incorporate 2-3 servings of vegetables into your day. To make your vegetables more of a treat than a drag, incorporate them into the meals you already enjoy. Stir in spiral zucchini with your pasta dish, toss in sautéed onions and peppers on your favorite taco, and toss frozen cauliflower into your daily smoothie. 

3.   Gratitude.

Building your day around gratitude will weave joy into your day, even the not-so-great days. Stress has a terrible impact on our health and the best way to dissolve stress is to find gratitude. Make time each day to meditate, pray, or read a daily devotional. How you find a moment of gratitude is just for you. Find something you enjoy. 

4.   Make time for movement!

Walk, run, crawl, find movement that you enjoy! Daily exercise improves bone and muscle health, boosts your energy, controls blood sugar, improves your mood just to name a few benefits. For many of us we appreciate different hobbies and forms of exercise. Find what you really enjoy; stretching, weightlifting, running, CrossFit, walking or hiking all of these are fantastic ways to get some blood pumping and to clear your mind. Bonus points if you get outside for your movement. Aim to move every day.

5.   Sleep!

This one is probably the absolute easiest and our most favorite yet, most difficult at the same time! Studies show that getting quality sleep on a regular basis can improve all sorts of issues including; controlling your blood sugar, improving your workouts, and sharpen your memory. Your best bet is to shoot for 7-8 hours each night. Create a bedtime routine each night; turn off all screens 30 minutes before slumber, read, stretch, find a routine helps you relax and melt the stressful day away.