When first getting started with a wellness routine, focusing on one single area at a time (such as sleep, diet, or exercise) can make the process of building a balanced and sustainable lifestyle feel much more manageable. And while this is a great way to begin your journey, we don’t want you to carry out these healthy habits in isolation forever! Instead, we want to help you build a well-rounded lifestyle that includes various aspects from all elements. To best do that, this means finding ways to integrate all the tips and tricks you’ve accumulated along the way, and sprinkling them into one balanced regime. Of course, transitioning from temporary habits to a permanent lifestyle requires consistency, mindfulness, and adaptability. However, with our guidance, learning how to create a healthy lifestyle will feel like a breeze.
The Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for your mind, body, and overall health, both now, and for years to come.
It can help to:
- Support and improve immune health
- Reduce the risk of chronic disease
- Support weight loss and weight management
- Lower cortisol and inflammation
- Improve mood and cognitive health
- Reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression
- Enhance longevity
- Boost energy levels
- Support lean muscle mass and bone health
The list goes on. So, let’s make these habits a seamless part of your daily routine!
Turn Your Healthy Habits Into a Lifestyle: Simple Tips to Get Started
#1 Get Clear On Your Goals
If you want to set yourself up for long-term success, it’s important to get clear on your goals and remind yourself why you’re getting started in the first place. Do you want to feel stronger and more confident? Do you want to improve your health metrics and reduce the risk of disease? Rather than base your goals on how you want to look or appear (such as achieving a number on a scale), consider setting goals that have a deeper intrinsic meaning and value. If you want to lose weight, think about why — how do you want to feel when you achieve that goal? Not only is this a healthier state of mind, but intrinsic motivators are also better predictors of long-lasting change!
RELATED: Trying to Lose Weight? Here’s Why Defining Your “Why” is Key
#2 Build a Morning & Evening Routine
Building a structured morning and evening routine is a powerful way to seamlessly integrate various aspects of your wellness journey into your daily life. A consistent routine helps create a sense of stability and predictability, making it easier to maintain healthy habits. Plus, starting and ending your day with healthy habits encourages an overall healthy lifestyle during the day, and for the day ahead.
Here are some ideas to help get you started:
- Before you reach for your phone or electronics, soak in a few minutes of sunshine to regulate your circadian rhythm.
- Rather than start with coffee, kick off your morning with a glass of water to kickstart your metabolism and rehydrate after a night’s sleep.
- Fuel your day with a nutritious breakfast full of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
- Incorporate a few minutes of meditation, deep breathing, or journaling before you hit the sheets.
- Turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure and promote better sleep.
#3 Prep Your Environment
Prepping your environment for success is crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only does it help ensure you have easy access to tools and resources that support your wellness goals, but it also helps reduce the temptation of not-so-healthy behaviors. For example, if your fridge is full of fresh produce, meal-prepped dinners, and premade snacks, you’ll be less likely to order takeout or reach for processed options. This applies to other areas in your house too, like your office and bedroom. Maybe you replace your office chair with an ergonomic option to support your posture or keep a workout kit in your desk drawer to promote mini bouts of movement. Or, maybe you consider adding blackout curtains to your bedroom to support your sleep. All these little habits add up!
#4 Incorporate Movement Into Your Daily Routine
Speaking of movement, integrating exercise into your daily routine is one of the best healthy habits to adopt. Regular physical activity not only improves your physical health, but it also boosts your mental health, mood, and energy levels! Start with small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from your destination to increase your daily steps. You can also schedule short exercise sessions throughout your day, such as a 10-minute walk during lunch breaks or a quick workout in the morning. Additionally, look for opportunities to stay active at home, like doing a brief FitOn yoga or HIIT session before work, or stretching before bed.
RELATED: 17 Tiny Ways to Add Movement to Your Workday (Even if You Work a Desk Job)
#5 Make Mindful Decisions in the Kitchen
Being intentional and mindful about your food choices and eating habits is one of the best ways to support both your short-term and long-term goals. Try to stick to whole foods whenever possible, eating a colorful and balanced diet full of fresh seasonal produce, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of micronutrients from various superfoods. You can also set aside one day a week to meal prep your meals, including options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. Beyond cooking, it’s also important to be mindful of your eating habits! Try to avoid distractions while eating (like watching the television or scrolling through Instagram, and remember to take your time and listen to your fullness and hunger cues.
RELATED: 5 Powerful Reasons to Practice Mindful Eating For Better Health
#6 Build a Workout Routine You Love
Working out should be something you look forward to, not something you dread! So, if you’re struggling to find your flow, consider switching it up! Utilize the FitOn app and browse our library full of workouts to find classes that motivate you to move on a regular basis. From Pilates and yoga to strength training and kickboxing, there’s something for everyone. Remember, variety can keep your workouts interesting and prevent boredom. Plus, incorporating a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises, helps to ensure a well-rounded routine!
#7 Prioritize Your Mental Health
When it comes to building a healthy lifestyle, including habits that support your mental health is crucial. Whether it’s meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or even a regular meeting with your therapist, finding ways to reduce stress and support your mental health is so important. Make time for activities that bring you joy, such as reading, spending time in nature, or hanging with friends and loved ones. And ensure you get adequate sleep, as rest is vital for mental and emotional health! Additionally, consider talking to a mental health professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. By prioritizing your mental health, you create a strong foundation for a balanced and fulfilling life.
RELATED: Food as Medicine: These Are The Best Nutrients For Mental Health
The Takeaway
Remember, there’s no one best way to build a healthy lifestyle. It’s about finding what works best for you, and sticking with it! Experiment with different workout routines and find ways to increase your daily steps, meal prep your meals, fill your fridge with healthy grab-and-go snacks, and optimize your space to promote healthy choices. Small, consistent changes lead to lasting results!
