Wanna live a healthier life? I’m here to help with nine healthy habits to become the fittest, healthiest and happiest version of yourself in 2020.
When it comes to building healthy habits, it’s all about making small clever decisions that will add up over time and become part of your daily routine.
1 . Establish a morning routine.
This is one of my favorite practices, albeit one I haven’t adhered to as much while trying to figure out my son’s sleep issues. A healthy, mindful morning routine sets the tone for the day.
Imagine this – you wake up, workouts, drink a glass of lemon water, practice your daily rituals. Now compare that to waking up to the sound of your alarm or a baby crying, playing catch up, trying to get things done last minute. Guess which scenario is going to set you up for a better day?
First, aim to wake up at the same time each day. For me, it’s 5 am. I love to wake up early and get things done before everyone else is up.
Here’s what my actual morning routine looks like:
- meditate before I get out of bed
- journal and write my to-do’s for the day
- write 5-10 things I’m grateful for
- brush teeth
- drink a large glass of lemon water
- workout
It’s quick, simple and to the point. I meditate for 10-15 minutes, journal for 5-10 minutes and workout for 30-45 minutes. This routine takes a little over an hour and is perfect. I have the best days when I do this.
2. Establish a bedtime routine.
I adore my bedtime routine. It is so relaxing and almost indulgent. It’s incredibly important to get to bed at a reasonable hour and aim for the same time each night so you can establish a good sleep pattern. I aim for 9 pm, but most people find 10 pm more acceptable.
And please don’t try to do 7 pm-3 am or 1 am-9 am. Research shows that the most restful sleep aligns with sunrise and sunset. So go to bed after the sun is down, wake near a time it rises.
My relaxing nighttime routine includes:
- drink either magnesium water or drink a sleep promoting tea
- usually, I take an Epsom salt bath, but you could shower or just use magnesium oil
- skincare routine (we’ll talk about this next)
- get in bed, no screen time (aim for no screen time an hour before bed)
- read a book
- pass out
3. Establish a skincare routine.
A skincare routine is so important for maintaining youthful, healthy skin. If you’re over the age of 20, simply washing your face and throwing on some random moisturizer ain’t gonna cut it anymore!
I wrote a whole blog post on this topic – head over to learn more about my Nightly Skincare Routine.
4. Meditate!
Meditation has been such a game-changer for my mental health. Meditation has shown to literally re-wire the brain. It reduces stress and anxiety, promotes feelings of happiness and calm, it improves concentration and so much more.
I loved the Unplug meditation app, it was by far my favorite. I used it for a year with great success and got good enough at meditation to know what I like. I personally love guided manifestation and relaxation meditations, so I now just use those on YouTube.
5. Drink one smoothie a day.
Even if your diet isn’t perfect, drinking a smoothie a day is such an excellent way to pack in a plethora of nutrients into a convenient lil’ drink. You can have it with breakfast, as a snack or to curb a sugar craving.
Here is my favorite healthy collagen smoothie recipe:
- 1/2 scoop Ancestral Nutrition Collagen Protein + SuperGreens
- handful of blueberries
- 1/2 cup goat kefir or coconut milk
- 1/2 avocado
- a bunch of spinach
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- water to desired consistency
For more information, read my blog post on How To Build a Healthy Smoothie.
6. Incorporate planned exercise/movement.
I’m not saying you have to join a gym or working six days a week, but I am saying it’s time to prioritize movement. Plan to go for walks. Plan to do some stretching or yoga upon waking. Plan to play with your kids at the park.
You don’t need to lift weights or run miles to NOT be sedentary. Just be mindful of your movement. Get up and walk around regularly. Take the stairs. Walk anywhere you don’t have to drive.
I walked to a dentist’s appointment with my three-year-old this morning. It took an extra ten minutes because he is the world’s slowest walker but we both got exercise in. And it was 30 degrees. Just plan it, do it.
7. Drink more water.
This is one everyone’s list right? So many people are in a constant state of dehydration. I asked for a Soda Stream for Christmas, because honestly I got bored with water. When I was pregnant I wanted something other than boring water, so I became obsessed with seltzer. But that produces a lot of waste and comes in aluminum cans – less than ideal.
So buy yourself a Soda Stream or a Yeti and drink up! Be intentional about your water consumption.
8. Plan Healthy Meals
Again, you don’t have to go to the extreme here. So many people want to go grain-, gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free – all at once. This is setting yourself up t fail.
I see so much more success when people simply plan a few meals throughout the week. Plan to have eggs and veggies for breakfast, a salad for lunch and a few healthy dinners. Don’t go into a week blind, hoping to eat healthier. Make a plan!
Sign up HERE for four weeks of meal plans – free!
9. Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
Sleep is maybe the most important of all healthy habits as it is so crucial to overall health – physically, mentally and emotionally. In addition to creating a bedtime routine, make sure you’re getting quality, restorative sleep.
Eat balanced meals throughout the day, balance your blood sugar, sleep in a dark room, make sure the temperature is between 62-69 degrees. Optimize your sleep.
Anything else you’d add to this list of healthy habits? Happy New Year!
