Choose one or two healthy habits from this list that you aren’t already doing, and vow to incorporate them into your day. Set a goal for how long you’d like to see yourself stick to them, start small, and add in more as you see yourself progressing.
DAILY MOVEMENT.
Try to fit in some sort of movement each day, whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood or a calming yoga class. The key is to find an exercise or physical activity you enjoy doing or make it more enjoyable — listen to an engaging audiobook or fun playlist while you work out, or do it with that friend who always puts you in a better mood.
SOCIAL MEDIA CLEAN UP.
Go through your feed and unfollow any account that doesn’t bring you something positive: inspiration, humor, creativity, a community. The accounts that make you feel bad about yourself have no place in your phone.
READ BEFORE BED.
Put down your phone and pick up a book before hitting the hay. The National Sleep Foundation recommends avoiding blue light in the hours leading up to bed, so replacing your nightly scrolling routine with a book will not only help you sleep better, but will also give you a mental escape that the internet just can’t provide, all while crossing off books from your want-to-read list.
STRETCH BEFORE BED.
Replace your Netflix habit with a good-for-you one. A 2016 review of studies on the subject found that those who stretched before bedtime reported better sleep quality overall.
PRIORITIZE REST.
Finding time in our busy lives to rest sounds and feels impossible at times, but it doesn’t make it less important. Resting doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping either; just carving out a bit of time to yourself each day to wind down, whether it be with a tea meditation or a warm bath, will go a long way to making you feel more rested.
PREPARE FOR YOUR DAY THE NIGHT BEFORE.
Make your lunch, set out your clothes, organize what you need for the next day, and your future you will thank you. Fewer things take out the stress of a hectic, early morning than preparing things the night before.
STAY HYDRATED.
This one is a no-brainer but is sometimes easier said than done. Get yourself a water bottle that measures your water intake and bring it with you wherever you go. It’s a lot easier than remembering to drink X amount of glasses of water a day, making you more likely to stick with it!
MEDITATE.
This one shouldn’t surprise you coming from us, but meditation is really such an enriching habit to incorporate in your life that’s full of physical, psychological, and social benefits. We recommend starting slowly and gradually adding in longer sessions as you feel comfortable.
SPEND TIME IN NATURE.
Try to get outside at least once daily. Opt for a walking meditation, take your bike to work if you can, step outside and into the sunlight for a few minutes when you need or break, etc.
