Hey there! Are you ready to kickstart your journey towards a healthier lifestyle? Whether you’re aiming to shed a few pounds, increase your energy levels, or simply feel better overall, adopting healthy habits is the way to go. But don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest anything extreme or complicated. We’re talking about 22 simple habits for a happier and healthier life. Of course, you won´t have to do all of them. Even swapping three old bad habits for three healthier habits is great. 

22 Simple Habits for a Happier and a Healthier Life

1. Start your day with a glass of water: Hydration is key, and starting your morning with a glass of water helps kickstart your metabolism and rehydrate your body after a night’s sleep.
2. Wake up earlier: Don’t stay in bed until the very last minute before you have to leave for work/school. Get up immediately, even on the weekends. Imagine what you can do if you wake up at 8 on Saturday instead of 11.
3. Get moving: Exercising is important. It releases feel-good hormones, is good for blood circulation, and more. Make time for a (short) workout every single day. Go for a walk, do a workout from home, or do some Yoga.
4. Stay organized: I am a little bit chaotic sometimes and a year ago I started using Notion to help me to stay organized. I have made lists of work-related things I have to do and I have a list of other things I have to do. I even make lists of things I have to buy and when I go to the stores I can simply look at my list and buy everything I need. But you can make a list for everything and it feels good to be so organized.
5. Meditation: Meditation has so many benefits, but it can mostly help you with controlling your thoughts. So when you get a thought that you don’t want, you notice the thought and you can just let it go.
6. Eat healthier: Eat more vegetables and fruit instead of highly processed food/meals. Be more mindful of what you buy and eat. Make a list (filled with healthy things) every time you buy food and stick to that list.
7. Get enough sleep every single night: There is nothing more important than getting enough sleep every night. Make sure you have a great evening routine and nothing can distract you from sleeping. If you get enough sleep, you feel more energized, happier, more motivated, and more focused.
8. No screens before bedtime: One thing that can help you get better sleep is to reduce your screen time in the evening. I always put my screens away around 8 in the evening. After that, I just journaled and read and it really improved my sleep.
9. Drink enough water during the day: Instead of drinking sugary drinks and coffee all day, try to drink more water and herbal tea.
10. Don’t skip breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I am sure you have heard that before but it is true. After not eating for hours, you need to fuel your body with food so you can face the day with more energy.
11. Wear sunscreen every day: Wearing sunscreen every single day is the best thing you can do for your skin. Yes, that also means you should start wearing sunscreen when it is a cloudy winter day. The daylight can still have an impact on your skin.
12. Stay connected with your friends: Having a social life is important. So make sure you make time for them. It is way more fun to talk in real life than through your phone. Call them and see if they want to have lunch or dinner. Maybe they want to watch a movie with you.
13. Do what you love: Do more of what you love to do. If you like to make music, do that more often. Try to make more time for it. Life is more than just working and paying taxes. Or find a job that makes you excited every single day.
14. Leave your comfort zone: Staying in your comfort zone sounds great and safe. But it is also great to face your fears and make your comfort zone a little bit bigger each time. Try more new things.
15. Practice gratitude and positive thinking: In every situation, you can focus on something ‘bad’ or something ‘good’. And practicing gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal, will help you to focus more on the good things.
16. Practice Good Hygiene: Make time in the morning to take care of your body. Take a shower, use a deodorant, and maybe a little bit of perfume to smell good. Dress to impress is also a part of that routine. Wear clean clothes!!
17. Prioritize self-care: Self-care comes in different forms. The obvious one is to take care of your body. But self-care can also mean working on your mindset or doing something fun for your soul.
18. Stretch regularly to improve flexibility: Especially if you sit a lot during the day, you might want to stretch to improve flexibility. The good thing is that you can easily do this during another task like cooking or watching Netflix.
19. Read more: Reading is good for you and it also has a lot of benefits. For me personally: it helps me to sleep better and to relax. But it is also a lot of fun when you are reading the right book.
20. Journaling: Journaling can mean anything. Maybe you want to write down how your day went or maybe you want to use it for writing down your progress with your goals. The options are endless. But it is also very good to stop overthinking before sleeping. Writing down helps to clear the mind.
21. Deep breathing exercises: We often breathe too shallow. It is better to take deep breaths from the belly. Take a few minutes each day to practice it. You can also practice it while you have one or two minutes on your break or when you are getting a cup of water/tea.
22. Practice good posture: Having a good posture is not only very important to avoid back pain, but it also makes you look more confident. Every time you notice, your posture isn’t great, fix it.
    
    Photo by Patrick Malleret on Unsplash

The post 22 Simple Habits for a Happier and a Healthier Life first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post 22 Simple Habits for a Happier and a Healthier Life first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>

The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy, and indulgence. While it’s tempting to surrender to the array of festive treats and cozy comforts, maintaining your health and fitness is equally important. With a mindful approach, you can strike a balance between enjoying the holiday spirit and taking care of your well-being. Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to stay fit and healthy during the holiday season.

How to Stay Fit During the Holiday

1. Prioritize Physical Activity:

Maintaining a regular exercise routine is key to staying fit during the holidays. Find activities that you enjoy, whether it’s a brisk walk, a home workout, or a festive dance class. Schedule your workouts, and consider inviting friends or family to join you for added motivation. It does not have to be a long workout and you don’t have to go to the gym to stay fit and healthy. Find a form of exercise you like. For example, I always take my bike when I have to run errands. I like to walk in the evening when you can see all those beautiful Christmas lights.

2. Set Realistic Goals:

The holiday season may not be the time to embark on ambitious fitness goals, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon your healthy habits altogether. Set realistic and achievable goals that align with the festive season, such as maintaining your current fitness level, staying active at least three times a week, or trying a new winter sport. Maybe you want to lose weight, but you also like to enjoy your Christmas meal without worrying and feeling guilty. Set a goal that allows you to have fun on Christmas.

3. Mindful Eating:

While holiday feasts are a tradition, practicing mindful eating can help you enjoy the festivities without overindulging. Pay attention to portion sizes, savor each bite, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Choose nutrient-dense foods and balance your plate with a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

4. Stay Hydrated:

Amidst the holiday cheer, it’s easy to forget about hydration. Make a conscious effort to drink enough water throughout the day. Staying hydrated not only supports your overall health but can also help control your appetite and prevent overeating during festive meals. And be careful about how much other drinks you consume. Some types of drinks contain a lot of sugar and calories. If your goal is to loose weight, maybe it is better to drink less of it or stay away from it all.

5. Choose Healthy Alternatives:

When it comes to holiday treats, consider healthier alternatives. Experiment with recipes that incorporate whole ingredients, reduce added sugars, and increase nutritional value. For example, opt for dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits as a festive snack instead of sugary sweets.

6. Plan and Prepare:

Anticipate challenging situations, such as holiday parties or family gatherings, and plan accordingly. Eat a balanced meal before attending an event to curb excessive snacking, and bring a healthy dish to share. Having nutritious options readily available can help you make mindful choices. If you go grocery shopping, opt for 80-90% healthy and 10-20% less healthy food. This way you get enough vitamins and minerals that you definitely need during the colder winter months.

7. Get Adequate Rest:

Amid the holiday hustle, prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep can impact your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure a restful night’s sleep. And remember that the quality of sleep is way more important than the quantity. Turn off your TV/phone/laptop an hour before you go to bed. The blue lights that come from those screens can influence the quality of your sleep. Read a book instead of have a good conversation with someone.

8. Manage Stress:

The holiday season can bring about stress, which may affect your physical and mental health. Stress has been proven to be one of the reasons you get sick faster.  Incorporate stress-management techniques into your routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or a calming yoga practice. Taking time for self-care can help you navigate the season with greater ease.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate, and that includes celebrating your health. By making mindful choices, staying active, and finding a balance between indulgence and moderation, you can enjoy the festivities while maintaining your well-being. Remember, staying fit and healthy during the holidays is not about deprivation but about making choices that align with your overall health goals. Here’s to a season filled with joy, good health, and a hearty dose of holiday cheer!

Photo by Saad Chaudhry on Unsplash

The post How to Stay Fit During the Holiday season first appeared on Bettie Toon.

<p>The post How to Stay Fit During the Holiday season first appeared on Bettie Toon.</p>