Healthy habits lead to a healthy life. For those Millennials out there looking to gain wisdom and insight into better living, it’s time to try out a few new healthy ways of living. Forming healthy habits now can help you later on in life. Not only will you feel more energized, you are likely to be more focused, more productive, and an overall happier person. And with those positive outcomes to look forward to, what have you got to lose?
Keep in mind, however, that forming a new and beneficial habit doesn’t just happen overnight. For some, it may be part of your routine after three weeks, but for others, it may be over 250 days before that new habit feels natural. So stick with it. You’ll be glad you did.
So which habits should you bet striving to make part of your daily routine? Here are 6 that all Millennials should be reaching for:
1. Get Up Early
Waking with the sunrise may not be your ideal morning. However, early risers are known to be much more productive than those who hit the snooze button a few times. That laundry list of to-dos becomes much more manageable when you start earlier. This makes sense – of course – because you’ve got more hours in the day to devote to crossing off those items.
To form this healthy habit, try setting your alarm for your ideal time. Make sure that every day you get up at this exact time. And do your very best to not hit the snooze button. As tempting as it is, that button that gains you a few extra minutes of “rest” may actually leave you more tired throughout the rest of your day.
2. Drink More Water
The human body is roughly 60% water. To maintain this percentage, there needs to be a flow of fluids going in to replenish the fluids coming out. Drinking more water, or the recommended eight glasses a day, can do wonders for your body. Here are a few benefits of staying hydrated:
• Smoother skin
• Fuller stomach, which means less calories consumed
• Regulated digestive system
• More energy
How do you get started with drinking more water? Try having a glass beside your bed at night so you can have a full 8oz when you wake up. Substitute your caloric beverages with water whenever possible. And keep a tally or journal of your daily water intake to keep yourself motivated.
3. Make Time for People
Studies show that people who spend time with friends and close family are happier. So those coffee dates that you love? There’s no need to cancel those. In fact, you should schedule them in with pen and ink. The number of friends you have doesn’t necessarily matter, as long as the relationships are of a deep and true nature. Grab a friend, a spouse, or a family member, and head out for some mood-boosting time together.
4. Exercise
Everyone’s always saying that exercise is good for you, and that’s because it really is. When you exercise, your body produces happiness hormones called endorphins. Endorphins boost your mental state and make you – well – happy. Exercising also can help you manage your weight, which will give you more confidence and can actually increase your libido, making bedroom activities that much more fun.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Choose a routine that works for you and your lifestyle, whether that means hitting the gym a few times a week or streaming a class from home in the mornings. Whatever you do, stick to it, and you’ll see the results you want that much sooner.
5. Eat Superfoods
Superfoods get their name because of the incredible health benefits they offer. Not only do they nourish your body, but they also can nourish your mind and mood, making you feel your absolute best. Many superfoods also contain anti-aging nutrients, a benefit that will last for years to come. Here are a few of the most common – and most beneficial – superfoods:
• Sweet Potatoes
• Olive Oil
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Avocados
• Garlic
• Kale
Add these into your diet to improve your mood, digestive system, and skin. Try putting berries into your morning cereal, making brownies with avocados, or conquering that salty craving with some delicious kale chips.
6. Get Plenty of Rest
Sleep is important, but it’s often the first to go when there’s a busy day ahead. Studies show that sleep deprivation can lead to increased risks of disease and accidents or injuries. The body’s ability to think and function properly is inhibited without proper rest, leading to poor decision-making skills. This can mean that your abilities as a driver on the road, an employee, a parent, etc. are all at risk if you don’t take the time to sleep. Make rest a priority so that you can operate your best when daylight arrives.
Living a healthy life should be at the top of your to-do list. Strive to add these six healthy habits to your daily routine and reap the benefits for years to come.