Building a healthy lifestyle can be difficult. When you are just getting started it can be hard to find the right healthy habits and break old habits. It can be easy to slip back into your old routines when the idea of changing your life around seems so overwhelming. Change can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple adjustments to your daily routine you can begin forming new healthy habits. We’ve found 5 healthy habits you can start working on today that will make all the difference in your health.

1. Hydration

You’ve probably heard this over and over again but staying hydrated is really important. It can make all the difference in your health and body’s ability to function properly. Staying hydrated can help flush your body of toxins and keep you energized so you can take on all the day has to offer. Remember your body is made up of mostly water so when it is dehydrated the consequences can be huge. It can lead to fatigue, confusion, low blood pressure, and more. To stay hydrated, begin the day with a glass of water and keep water with you all day. 6-8 glasses a day are usually recommended. 

2. Mindful Meals

Everyone has to eat but being mindful about what you are eating can change the way view and consume food. Take the time to plan and eat your meals. Really think about the food you’re putting into your body. It has to fuel it for the day make sure it’s doing the best job it can. Things like sugars and artificial sweeteners can inhibit the body’s ability to function properly. Instead, fuel your body with natural products and choices that will not only leave you satisfied but feeling good too. A 80/20 ratio is a good split when it comes to healthy food versus junk food. Think of junk food as any food that doesn’t fuel your body like desserts, fried foods, and alcohol. These are foods you can have on occasion 20% of the time. The rest of the time you should focus on foods that will help your body run efficiently. You should also take the time to enjoy your meals. Taking the time to enjoy your meals can help you notice when your full and digest your food better. Eating while distracted often causes the opposite.

3. Take the Long Way

Life can get busy and taking the short way usually wins out but when it means getting a little exercise take the long way. Making a few simple changes in your day can help you fit in some exercise that may make all the difference. Some great examples include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking at the back of the parking lot, or doing a few quick stretches before getting in the shower. These are easy quick changes you can make in your day to add a bit more exercise. Overtime these simple tasks add up and can even encourage you to find other ways to workout throughout your day. 

4. Sleep Tight

Getting the right amount of sleep is vital to your overall health. Sleep can affect everything from your body’s ability to lose and gain weight, mental health, immune system, and more. A study done by the University of Chicago found that not getting enough sleep can hinder or even undo the effects of dieting. Getting enough sleep can help you feel energized and refresh, giving you enough energy to take on the day. It’s important to get a full 7-9 hours of sleep a night. If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, you can start working on a routine. Having a set time, you go to sleep and wake up can help your body get into a rhythm. You can also meditate or use some of these apps to help unwind in the evenings. 

5. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is one of the best habits you can have to live a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of your overall well-being and managing stress can help you build a healthy relationship in other areas of your life. Studies have shown that those who practice self-care have an easier time managing mental and physical health. There are a lot of ways to practice self-care. Self-care looks different for each person based on their needs, what is important is that you take the time to de-stress. Meditation and exercise are great options. We also recommended unplugging for a few hours. Limiting screen time can help cut down on stress and give you time to unwind from the outside world. However, you choose to practice self-care, be sure you take some time to be with yourself and decompress from the stresses of the world. 

We know making new habits can be hard, we hope these 5 healthy habits help you on your journey to healthier you. Remember to take it one step at a time, even a small change can make all the difference. At BOARD30 we are here to help you along your health journey with revolutionary fitness classes and expert instructors. For more advice checkout our other blogs, our list of classes, or visit our website!