Nine Good Habits For Your Mind Body And Soul
Monday, January 7th, 2019
Make 2019 the year you focus on you! Even small changes to establish a healthier lifestyle become significant when done consistently throughout the year. Small steps, giant leaps. Read on for new habits and routines to improve your well-being, starting today!
Get More Sleep
We all need more, we all want more, so let’s make 2019 the year we get more sleep! Do small things that promote more and better sleep, like eliminating caffeinated beverages in the afternoon and evening, turning off your phone at least an hour before bedtime, and regular exercise.
Drink More Water
Most adults don’t drink enough water (no, Starbucks doesn’t count!), yet adequate water intake helps us maintain our energy and weight loss, sleep better, and can improve skin health. Instead of that late-afternoon coffee, replace it with a tall glass of sparkling water (the kind with no added sugar) or a cup of hot tea. It’s all about making small daily changes that add up over time. You’ve got this!
Exercise Regularly
This one almost goes without saying, but we’re putting it here anyway. Daily or regular exercise (at least three times per week) is crucial to maintaining optimal health. It also improves sleep, brain health, reduces anxiety and stress, and is a major energy booster. Truly, too many benefits to count. Of course, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.
Unplug
We’re all for the responsible use of technology, but stepping away from your devices, even for short amounts of time, helps you recharge after work, get more sleep, and encourages more in-person connections with family and friends. Leave the device at home the next time you go for a latte or play with the kids in the park.
Learn Something New
Taking up a new hobby, language, or sport is good for your mind. Learning a new skill stimulates the neurons in your brain to form new neural pathways, which in turn not only helps you learn better but reduces the onset of dementia and other brain disorders. On the social side, learning something new could lead to new connections and friendships as you meet other like-minded people.
Keep a Journal
Journaling can be a helpful way to unwind and reduce anxiety. There’s no one way to journal, so choose a method to match your interests, from creative writing and artwork to bullet and food journaling
Meditate
Reduce your stress level and get a better night’s sleep with regular meditation. Whether you prefer deep breathing, guided imagery, or something else, apps like Calm and Headspace make it easy and possible to do it anywhere you like.
Get Organized
No one likes clutter, so make 2019 the year that each item in your home has its proper place. Start small and go room by room; donate what you no longer use, and find a place for what you plan to keep. If this feels overwhelming, start really small, like that junk drawer in your kitchen or a coat closet.
Maintain Financial Health
Getting your financial house in order can give you a sense of freedom and peace of mind. Take a review of your savings plan, debts, various insurance policies and investments, and retirement plan to make any necessary adjustments. Do this early in the year, especially if you have major life events happening in the next 12 months, like getting married, having a baby, buying a home or making renovations, or having a medical procedure.
Here’s to practicing healthy habits in 2019!