Improving your health doesn’t have to mean making complicated, difficult changes to your lifestyle. Taking small steps and introducing tiny new habits can help to change your overall health and happiness in meaningful ways. Here are some healthy habits that you can start today.
1. Schedule Self-Care
Take some time to take care of you, so you can feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Treat yourself to a pick-me-up such as a massage, a gourmet coffee, or a good book or movie. Put your plans for self care on the calendar, so it’s not just an idea that you may get around to doing later.
67 Simple Self-Care Ideas for Runners
2. Smile More
Whether you’re doing a workout, at work or school, or running errands, try to smile more, even when you don’t feel like it! The act of smiling can trick your mind into thinking that you’re happy. And doing do can help spread happiness to those around you.
3. Hydrate
Staying hydrated is essential to not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. You’ll know you’re well-hydrated if your urine is a light yellow color, like lemonade. If it’s dark yellow, you’re dehydrated!
Try to replace sugary drinks such as juice and soda with plain water. If you need some flavor, squeeze a lemon into it, to get a vitamin C boost.
4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself to others is not going to lead to a healthier, happier life. It could lead to feelings of insecurity, envy, and discontent. Don’t let comparison rob you of appreciation of your talents and successes. Everyone is on their own journey, with different highs and lows and strengths and weaknesses. Focus on yourself and all the things you have to be proud of.
5. Eat Fruits and Veggies Every Day
If fruits and veggies aren’t already part of your regular diet, try to eat at least one fruit and one vegetable a day. Not only are they delicious, but they’re packed with nutrients and fiber, to keep you feeling full. If you’re not a big fruits and veggie eater, try to get them into your diet in different ways, such as smoothies.
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6. Enjoy Nature
Get outside and breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on your face. Even if it’s just a 10-minute walk around the block, try to get some time outside enjoying nature every day.
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7. Be Grateful
Take a moment or two each day to jot down some of the things that you’re grateful for. This simple action can help you feel calmer, gain perspective on what’s really important, and help you focus on what really matters. Use a gratitude journal, a simple notebook, or even your phone to write what you’re grateful for.
8. Try Something New
Getting into a rut can make you feel sluggish, unmotivated, and just bored. Try to change up your routines by exploring new foods, exercises, and seeking out new experiences to keep thinking more interesting and motivating. Finding out new running routes is a good way to shake things up and boost your motivation.
9. De-clutter
Keeping a tidy, neat space will help you feel less anxious and more productive. You don’t have to deep clean your surroundings every day, but putting things away, making your bed, and tidying up will put you in a positive frame of mind.
How to De-clutter Your Running Gear
10. Get Rid of Negativity
As much as possible, try to eliminate negativity from your life and replace it with something positive. Try your best to stay away from negative people who you know trigger you. When you’re running or working out, think positive thoughts.
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