Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle

1. Move Your Body Every Day

Since everyday looks different in our lives, each day brings a new opportunity to move. You can go for a long walk, ski in the winter, do an at home workout or join a group fitness class to get your blood flowing. So I like to say MOVE because I truly believe that exercise looks different for everyone. Some of us love endurance and run miles and miles. Others like an equipment free workout for 10 minutes.  Whatever gets you off the couch, do it.  You will not adapt the habit of exercise if you don’t enjoy it. So find that thing that makes you feel good and start moving! Check out my mini workouts on Instagram for some inspo.

2. Practice Gratitude 

Getting your mind in a healthy place is a big part of your overall wellness.  The pandemic has been hard for so many of us. And I have felt so beaten down at times. I remember how I used to complain about school drop off on rainy days. Now, I would give anything to get to drop my kids off at school – rain, sleet, or snow. So even when things are hard, gratitude helps through the difficulty.

Changing that mindset to I get to from I have to is key. I don’t have scientific proof but I’m sure saying:  “Ugh, I have to workout today” vs. “My body is healthy enough to get to do this workout”, will give you different results.

So think about or even write down the things you do that are a privilege, and be grateful.

3. Surround Yourself With Fresh Produce

Every time you do a grocery run make sure you have plenty of fresh options in your cart. Food is fuel and your health starts with what you eat. Nourishing your body upfront is the best form of healthcare, not just waiting until you are sick to address an issue.

4. Know What You’re Putting Into Your Body

Read labels. This goes for food and your consumer goods. Of course you don’t have to read labels when buying fresh produce so that’s an easy step. But what you’re putting on your body is as important as what you put in it. I’ve been using clean beauty skincare, makeup and body products for years and yes, I consider it integral to a healthy lifestyle.  There are so many great clean options and hopefully one day all beauty will be clean.

5. Know When + How to Edit

It’s easy to consume, consume, consume. More things, more news, more social media, more responsibilities. But knowing when and how to stop is hard. If your closet is overflowing with clothes you don’t wear or love, list them on Poshmark. If you feel anger rising up inside you from posts you see on Facebook – unfollow that person or get off the app completely. If you are juggling a million things but you’ve been told you would be great as the PTA president, you can say no. The best life is not one overflowing with stuff. But one that has been personally curated and enjoyed by you.

6. Wear SPF Every Day

I’ve said it before and will say it again! SPF all the way. It’s the best way to protect the largest organ in your body – your skin – and a top age preventing habit.  I have a tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 and also use a sheer facial SPF for touch up during the days I’m outside. During the summer I later on my sunscreen, stay in the shade, and even rock a rash guard.

7. Intermittent Fasting

I truly believe that your body, including your gut, needs time to rest. So for me, I usually stop eating around 7 PM and eat a meal after 10 AM the following day. And yes, I do fasted workouts and don’t eat until after my back to back class. I will have my coffee starting at 7 AM.  For more information about intermittent fasting you can read about it more from Harvard Medical School here and consult your physician.

8.  Prioritize Sleep

I cannot function without a good night’s sleep. It’s so critical! So I make it priority. I used to think I could never workout first thing in the morning. Mainly because I was tired and wanted to stay in bed as long as possible. But the real issue was not going to bed on time. Also that morning workout helps me sleep better. Now, I’m happy to do all the things to wind down: take a bath, do an extra skin treatment, some self care, read and book, put down my phone.