Introduction of Simple Habits
There are simple habits for a happier life. This world has so many ups and downs, staying level is a privilege meant only for the healthy is what it seems like sometimes. The higher the prices skyrocket, the more unhealthy we become. Let’s look at some good habits that can boost us up and leave the valleys far behind.
Small changes can have a big impact, though. Let’s take a look at 10 little things you can do to improve your life right away.
Simple Habit 1: Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is a simple habit, number 1. The benefits of getting enough daily water intake are too numerous. Hydration keeps away headaches for some. And for others, it gives them the energy to do their daily exercise habit too.
Water can be a refreshing part of your day, and getting enough of it could mean life or death. We can survive for less than a month without water. Our bodies are around 80% water. That means we need to replenish it daily.
You could try carrying a bottle of water that counts the ounces. They have them in cute colors on Amazon! Or maybe carry a tiny bottle with you and refill it. And if nothing else, have a glass of water half an hour before each meal. I personally have to add water flavoring or lemon to get it down.
Simple Habit 2: Eat a Balanced Diet
Simple habit number 2 is all about what we eat. Now I can’t even pretend I know what to eat. But I was a lot thinner when I was eating all the squashes all the time, than now, where I eat a sandwich for breakfast and lunch. Laziness for myself, but we all have our reasons as to why we don’t eat healthy. Let me know in the comments how you are doing with this habit.
When we go to the store, we do most of our shopping outside of the store aisles. Inside the store aisles is where most of the chemicals and additives are. The box items that are cheaper but filled with sugar and all kinds of stuff that do not go into our bodies.
Have you heard the saying to get a colorful plate full every time? That means lots of fruits and veggies and only a little of the sides and meats. “But I’m not a vegetarian!” Neither am I, but even I recognize that it’s better for me to eat some veggies.
Simple Habit 3: Get Regular Exercise
Getting regular exercise levels out the body’s systems. It helps to level out blood sugars and gives a whole lot more. Exercise is actually the gift that keeps giving because when you are done with exercise, it usually energizes your body. A little second wind. At least it does for me.
Not only that, but exercising creates all the good chemicals that boost your mood and brain health. And there are lots of enjoyable activities for everyone. You could try walking, dancing, or joining a fitness class. Some of them might even be free if you know where to look! My local church offers Zumba classes. Super fun and super free.
I suggest doing 10 minutes at a time if you haven’t been active in a while, as I haven’t been. I have been doing 15 a day to start out the habit again, but I know I need at least 30 and some weights! But I just have to get into the simple habits of exercising every day first! It isn’t mastered yet.
Simple Habit 4: Prioritize Sleep
Prioritizing your sleep is like all the other healthy habits. IF you don’t do it, there are side effects. You may be tired all throughout the day if you don’t get enough zzz’s at night.
Our household has an evening routine that we stick to like glue! With kids in the household, we have to prioritize sleep. So we do a shower time before bedtime, and then snack time, also before bedtime. Can’t have kiddos hungry in the middle of the night.
Getting into a good evening routine could help you sleep much better. For example, taking a shower before bed not only cleanses your pores but also relaxes your body, prepping you for bed.
Simple Habit 5: Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, and I only know of a few. I don’t quite have this habit mastered. At all. However, mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing can help you control your mind and maintain inner peace.
Perhaps a good way to establish a rhythm with this would be to set aside a short period each day to practice being quiet. During your quiet time, you could play a meditation recording or just enjoy the silence. Definitely read up more on meditation!
Simple Habit 6: Limit Screen Time
This one is difficult for us in our household. You see, we are an electronics household. Meaning that everyone has their own electronics. Pulling us away from our electronics is like pulling teeth! But the reality is that our electronics are hurting our brains and our minds. Not the same thing.
The more we are on our screens, the less we are outside. Not only that, but is that a natural or unnatural crick we all seem to be getting from not looking where we are going? Why? Because we are staring at our phones or said electronic.
Now, some people have caught onto the addictive behaviours screen time is causing and have started limiting their screen time. One way is to set a timer for everything to go off at an exact time, or to maybe shut off the wi-fi at a specific time.
Simple Habit 7: Foster Social Connections
In order to have a friend, you have to be a friend. So make sure you do to others as you would have them do to you. But for real, in this day and age, it is hard to foster good friendships. So if you find one you like try to hang onto them!
Some good ways to find friendships to foster are through outreach programs or even sporting events. What is your favorite sport? Go find someone in that sport to bond with. Bowling tournament, golfing, mini golfing, soccer, sports talk. Lots of ways to meet people.
Personally, I’m a mama. And a stay-at-home mama at that! So I don’t get out much. Lately, you guys and my family are all who have me. Mostly, I have been hanging out with my hubby. So there hasn’t been much time for anyone else.
Simple Habit 8: Set Realistic Goals
Setting achievable health goals can motivate positive changes in your life. Try using the SMART criteria for goal setting. Is it Specific? What about Measurable? Is it achievable? How about relevant? And is it time-bound? There needs to be some kind of time limit to put a little urgency on it. Check out the link above for beginners!
Simple Habit 9: Practice Gratitude
If I focus on the bad, then all I think about is the bad. But if I focus on the good, then my mood and everything in my world is ok. When I watch the news, I am more likely to be depressed. Because it’s almost always bad news. Even when you see someone try to do what is right, they are punished for it.
That is where a gratitude list comes in. I have 2 friends I do gratitude with every day. We have to think of 2 items to be grateful for. Sometimes it’s the roof over our head, and sometimes it’s that I have a car. My body all works still so far!!!
Simple Habit 10: Regular Health Check-Ups
This one is getting harder to do, but if you can, go get regular check-ups. As I get older, I realize I will need to see the doctor more, and I have to say I am not looking forward to it. Things start to fall apart as we get older. Stay connected to your doctor.
Conclusion
So, just a quick recap of the 10 simple habits to a happier life.
1. Stay Hydrated
2. Eat a balanced Diet
3. Get regular exercise
4. Prioritize sleep
5. Mindfulness and Meditation
6. Limit Screentime
7. Make friends
8. Set goals
9. Practice gratitude
10. See the Doctor
Tell me, which of these happy habits you keep, and why, in the comments.
