Introduction
Having a healthy habits routine is something we have to do on purpose. We have to choose it; otherwise, we can’t have healthy habits, and we are all over the board. At least I am. I should be speaking about myself because some people manage their lives just fine!
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Today let’s talk about building a healthy habits routine and maintaining it. Having healthy habits is good for overall health, and the little steps we take towards our goals.
Our overall well-being can be everything from what we eat to how we sleep and even how we feel throughout the day. Creating healthy habits can be a good way to know when something serious is wrong. When we have a problem, we go to the doctor. Well, when we have good habits, it is easier to know when something is wrong.
Taking little steps towards your health, such as eating right and getting enough exercise, is just a couple of habits that can be good. These little changes in your health can make a big difference over time. For example, if you cut out sugar, you might lose weight. Why? Because sugar is one of the leading causes of weight gain. If you start exercising regularly, people might notice small, significant changes. You might gain more muscle, or you might be able to go up a flight of stairs a little easier.
What if you were to set aside time every day for a walk, or maybe create a schedule where you have 1 or 2 goals you can accomplish?
An idea of healthy habits to incorporate into your daily life could be:
Walking
Zumba
Meditation
Cutting sugar out of your diet
Cutting or counting calories or carbs
Calling a Friend daily
Prayer
Going to the gym
Hiking
Drinking Water
Reading
Being consistent
Getting more fruits and veggies
These are just a few to get you started thinking about it. This is by no means a full list. Think of your own situation. What habits can you add to your routine to have a healthier, happier life?
Start Your Morning with Healthy Habits
The one thing I think is super important, and unfortunately I don’t even know why, but to me it is important to get up at the same time every day. Somehow, if I wake up more than an hour before or after my alarm, I have a crappy day! So waking up at a consistent time each day is number 1.
Drink a glass of water to start your morning. Water is life sometimes, and getting enough of it can be difficult if you are not in the habit of drinking enough water. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, and more.
Stretch or do a few minutes of light activity or movement. Get your blood moving a little. Stretching can relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, and boost energy and alertness.
Next is eating a balanced, nutritious breakfast. I really struggle with this one. I’m a coffee girl first thing in the morning, not a breakfast fan at all. But I’ve heard it can help you prepare for the day by providing energy, improving focus and concentration, and supporting a healthy metabolism.
A good way to plan and prepare for the day is to spend a few minutes practicing gratitude and setting daily intentions. I personally have a friend with whom I do a gratitude list every day. We think of two things to be grateful for.
Make Movement Part of Your Day
The goal is to aim for regular physical activity that fits your lifestyle. That could be Zumba 3 times a week, or maybe you take a daily walk. You could even walk on a treadmill when you feel like it, but the goal is to get in a little activity each day. I walk my kids to the bus stop, and I also have my treadmill.
Be sure to take short movement breaks throughout the day. Step away for a stretch break. It could change your view of the day.
Choose activities you enjoy, and it will make exercising easier. And once it becomes easier, you can choose more activities to do.
Eat a Balanced, Nutritious Diet
That includes getting in your fruits and veggies, whole grains, and protein-rich foods.
Make sure you get enough water and fluids to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Pay attention to how you eat, or mindful eating. Hunger and fullness cues can drive you to a healthier life. It is so easy to overeat. Portion sizes are a real thing. Choose a smaller serving, and it will help you notice if you are full.
If you are able, try to plan your snacks and meals ahead of time.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
Practice does not make perfect, but it does make better. Practice mindfulness, meditation, and/or deep breathing. There are different types of breathing we can practice that can keep us calm in stressful situations.
Hobbies and activities you enjoy are essential to processing our lives. We need to have something just for us. Make time for fun or engaging activities. They give meaning to life.
Take breaks from screens and social media. Today’s news is mostly bad, so I have to put social media down a lot. I haven’t found a way to use it without getting sucked in yet.
A good way to disconnect is to go outdoors. A park, a hike, fishing anything that puts us outdoors with nature.
Set healthy boundaries and make time to relax. And don’t forget to go to the doctor if something goes horribly wrong.
Get Enough Quality Sleep
Make sure you get consistent sleep; having a sleep and wake schedule can keep everything consistent.
Setting a calming bedtime routine is one thing you could do. We have our waking routines. Why not have one for when we go to sleep? Nice, calm, quiet.
One thing I have found is that screen time right before bed can prevent sleeping in some individuals. I have a son whom we have to remove all electronics from, or he can’t sleep.
Having a comfortable space is important also. Clean, quiet, and dark.
If caffeine affects your sleep, then you might want to try decaf and avoid all caffeinated products before bed.
Build Strong Social Connections
Make time for family and friends, especially in the current climate. We have to check on each other and make sure we are all ok.
Regularly check on those you love because anything could happen, and then one day they may not be there to check on anymore.
I interrupt everybody when we talk. It is a very bad habit I’m working on. Practice active listening skills and meaningful conversations.
A good way to make friends is to join a group or community that shares your interests. It’s good to make room for laughter, fun, and shared experiences.
Stay Organized and Manage Stress
Make a simple daily schedule you can follow and see if you can break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Make sure your goals are realistic and that you prioritize what matters most. You can use journaling or a to-do list to clear your mind. And above all else, give yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty. We are not striving for perfection here. But balance.
Create an Evening Routine That Helps You Recharge
One way you can prepare for the next day is by organizing clothes, meals, or tasks. Pull out your clothes for the day, prepare your lunch, or maybe take out meat for dinner.
A lot of people have shower time be at bedtime. The running water can be a nice way to relax into the night.
Now for myself, I need to do a step 10 every night. What is a step 10? I’ll tell you, It’s a nightly review of my behaviour that day. I ask myself questions like: Was I kind and loving, or was I mean and resentful? This leads me into a self-reflection time.
Then I’m able to lie down and put away all distractions and get down to the business of getting adequate sleep.
How to Make a Healthy Habits Routine Stick
The hard part is always getting a new habit to actually be a habit. They say it takes 21 days to build a habit. I feel like it takes longer than that. Start with 1 or 2 small changes. It is most effective when you already have a routine in place, and then you just attach it to one of your already-in-place routines.
Remember, we are not focusing on perfection, but do track your progress and expect occasional setbacks and return to your routine when you’re ready.
Celebrate every little win you have to get more consistent progress. Adjust your routine to fit your needs, schedule, and energy levels.
Sample Daily Healthy Habits Routine
Morning: Wake up, hydrate, stretch, and eat breakfast
Midmorning: Take a short walk and drink some water
Afternoon: Eat a balanced lunch, get some fresh air, and prioritize daily tasks
Evening: Enjoy dinner and connect with loved ones.
Before bed: Prepare for the next day and follow a calming bedtime routine.
Conclusion
A healthy lifestyle is built through small, repeatable actions. And the best routine you can have is the one you can do every day. One you can realistically maintain. Remember to choose 1 or 2 to start with and add them to a habit you already have. Practice daily to have a healthy, happy life. It’s up to you to set up the best healthy habits routine that fits your lifestyle.
