Something I’ve learned over the years is that health is more than just physical, and we make it more complex than we need to. Yes, our physical health is important, but so is our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We complicate things by making all these rules and conditions. The bottom line is that our simple health habits often make the biggest difference.
It all comes down to, in the effort to live a healthy lifestyle, adding a few healthy habits into your lifestyle. Here are 15 ideas to get you started
15 Simple Health Habits To Adopt Into Your Life
Drinking Half Your Weight In Ounces Of Water Daily
Hydration is important for your health in many ways. Drinking water affects everything from your joints, muscles, etc. to your mood. Here are a few tips to help you start drinking more water.
- Place a cup of water by your bed each night and drink it as soon as you wake up each morning
- Have a bottle of water with each meal
- Purchase a cute water bottle to drink out of.
If you aren’t used to drinking a lot of water, maybe your starting point could be to replace one of the drinks you regularly drink with water. Then just keep increasing until you are used to drinking water.
You can also add drinking collagen to your routine. The benefits include reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots to support glowing skin.
Getting 7-8 Hours Of Sleep
I didn’t realize how impactful sleep was for our health. Something that has helped me get better sleep has been to track how much sleep I get each night. I do this by using my FitBit Versa, but there are other ways to do this. Looking back on my sleep statistics each week keeps me accountable. If I notice that I’ve been averaging five or six hours of sleep each night, I make a plan to get more sleep in the following week.
Check In With Yourself Mentally Every Week
This is especially important if you struggle with mental health issues. Doing regular check-ins will help you become more aware when you are struggling. Always make sure you reach out for help when you need it. The National Institute for Mental Health has a great list of resources for you. Checking-In can include anything from journaling at the end of every week, to just rating how you feel on a scale from 1-10.
Spend The First Hour Of Your Morning And The Last Hour Of Your Night Phone-Free
This is a habit that I am personally trying to implement daily. This will not only help your health, you’ll feel more productive as well. I like starting my day phone free because it allows my mind to fully wake-up and be in the present moment before it’s filled with other opinions, events, etc.. I feel like on the nights I put the phone down earlier I feel much more peaceful and relaxed.
Move Your Body For At Least 10 Minutes A Day
Exercise is important, but sometimes we are too busy to fit it into our schedules. I think a common misconception is that working out has to be all or nothing. Meaning that if you don’t have time for a big hour long workout you shouldn’t workout. In reality any movement you do is good.
I really love the Love Sweat Fitness app because she has a feature in there called The Daily 10. The idea is that there are three movements that you repeat three times, equaling out at about 10 minutes. This feature is completely free, but there is a premium version with longer workouts.
Meditate Or Pray Daily
As I mentioned at the start of this post, health is much more than physical. Your spiritual health matters as well. Spend some time each day growing spiritually, whatever that looks like for you. What I have discovered is that if I go too long without reading my Bible and praying, other aspects of my health are impacted as well. Find what works for you and do it as often as you can, I’d recommend daily.
Get A Physical
As adults I feel like it’s easy for us to put off things like physicals. However, I think it’s important to get one yearly to make sure your physical health stays on track.
Do Research, And Talk To Your Doctor Before Jumping On A Health Trend
There are countless amounts of health trends out there. While it’s tempting to join in, because everyone else is, the results that many of these trends promise gives false hope. It’s a good practice to research these trends by viewing multiple, legit, sources. You also want to talk with your doctor before making any changes.
Eat A Fruit Or Vegetable With Every Meal
If you struggle to get the recommended amount of fruit and vegetable servings each day, I’ve found this to be helpful. It’s easier said than done, especially for me, but I always make it a goal. This helps ensure that you are eating a balanced diet.
Add Small Movement Hacks To Your Day
You’ve most likely heard about this one before. Park in the furthest parking spot, take the stairs, etc., all of these added up will help you fit physical activity in your busy day.
Make Your Favorite Meals Healthier
This has been my favorite thing to do since I started my weight loss journey. I’ve been able to make a healthier version of pizza, tater tots, and Reese cups. All it takes is an idea and some time on Google and/or Pinterest. What are your favorite healthy swaps?
Meal Plan
Meal planning can help you in a number of ways. Not only are you more likely to eat healthier, you are also saving money. It’s a win win. I love doing my meal planning on Fridays, but you could do it on any day of the week that works best for you.
Mix Up Your Workout Routine
Not only will this help keep your workouts interesting, there are a few health benefits to it as well. This article has more information on that, plus more.
Write Down Something You Are Grateful For Each Day
This is a great practice for your mental health. Your gratitude lists could be big moments, small moments, people, and everything in between. Try writing five things you are grateful for each day this week and see how it makes you feel at the end.
Do Something You Enjoy Each Day
Life is too short to not enjoy it. This last habit can help all areas of your health depending on the activity you choose. It doesn’t have to be the same thing each day. As long as you do one thing you enjoy, you’re doing it right. My daily activity that I’ve been trying to implement this year is creating something each day. I love hand lettering, doodling, and, of course, writing, so this was a perfect activity for me to choose.
Doing even just a few of these habits will lead you to a healthier lifestyle. Remember to give yourself some grace when trying to implement these habits. It will take time to add them to your lifestyle. Which simple health habits will you be adding to your life? Let me know in the comments below.
About the Author
Kelly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Even though it took her a little while to find her career path, she was always meant to be in Communications. She remembers writing poems and songs when she was a little girl and pitching to my parents the reasons why I should have a cell phone when I was a teenager. She currently has a blog (budding-joy.com) where she talks about her weight-loss journey, mental health and personal development. Her hope is to encourage and inspire readers and let them know they are not alone. Reading blog posts like that are what helped her in tough times and she wants to pay it forward. She loves dance fitness, listening to music, and creating layouts in her bullet journal. She's a big fan of planning, especially when cute notebooks and pens are involved. Her dream job has changed so much over the years; right now she'd love to co-own a dance studio.
Website: budding-joy.com