Creating new healthy habits may seem challenging, but the secret is to start with small steps to achieve those big changes. Smaller steps make it easier to form consistent habits because you can achieve them with minimal effort and without overthinking.
This approach leads to sustainable, healthy habits that can positively transform your life. If you’re considering a career as a clinical mental health counselor, personal trainer, naturopath, or related career in the health and wellness sector, starting with these habits can bolster your own mental health and resilience, setting a strong example for your future clients.
How to Create Healthy Habits
Creating healthy habits is all about making choices. Firstly, you need to identify your goals and plan how you’re going to achieve them. Secondly, your goals should be realistic. If you set them too high, you’re more likely to abandon them soon after you start. And thirdly, your plan should be enjoyable and manageable, encouraging you to stick with it. This way, you can gradually increase your efforts when you feel ready.
By following these eight healthy habits, you’re taking the first small steps toward a healthier you:
1. Engage in Regular Exercise
Moving around and engaging in regular exercise benefits both your physical and mental health.
You don’t need to run 10 kilometers every day to stay fit, but you should try to include some form of exercise in your daily routine. This can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or getting off the bus one stop early to walk a bit more before work.
If you find yourself sitting for long periods, make it a point to stand up and stretch your legs every hour. Just standing and moving around helps get your blood flowing and keeps you from feeling too tired.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
Just like regular exercise, we all know the importance of eating a balanced diet. However, we often blame our busy schedules as a reason for choosing convenience foods, which don’t provide the nutrients our bodies need to function properly.
This can be made simpler with some meal planning for the week ahead. This lets you choose the healthy meals you want to make in advance and you’ll know exactly what you need when you do your weekly shopping.
By doing so, you’ll ensure you receive all the necessary nutrients for a balanced diet and avoid the temptation of processed foods when you’re hungry.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep every night is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. A regular sleep pattern supports a healthy immune system and allows the body to heal and grow. Adults typically need between 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night.
To establish and maintain a healthy sleep routine, aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Wind down before bed by reading or listening to calming music. It’s also important to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime and steer clear of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol.
4. Build Positive Social Connections
Healthy relationships and social interaction are essential for a fulfilling life. Building and keeping healthy relationships give you a sense of belonging and are essential for mental health and longevity.
Make time for friends and family and spend some quality time together. Join clubs and network to find new connections and make the time to nourish these relationships to enhance your mental and emotional well-being. Humans are social by nature and need these interactions to stay healthy.
5. Cut Down on Screen Time
Being constantly connected is a way of life for most of us these days, but taking regular breaks from screens is essential for our well-being. Too much screen time can lead to health problems like backache, eyestrain, disturbed sleep, and obesity.
To reduce screen time, try taking breaks regularly or planning them in advance. Use these moments to walk, breathe in the fresh air, or practice mindfulness. Even just 30 minutes less screen time each day can significantly improve your well-being.
6. Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is an excellent way to bring positivity into your daily life. It can help reduce stress levels and improve the quality of your sleep.
Reflect on things you’re grateful for and write them down or share them with someone. Focusing on what you have in your life encourages you to not dwell on what you lack or other negative feelings.
7. Manage Your Stress
Learning how to manage stress is important for your long-term physical and mental health. It’s normal to feel stressed in certain situations, and it can even be beneficial in helping you to overcome challenges. However, too much stress can overwhelm you and leave you feeling unable to cope.
Find relaxation techniques that work for you and are easy to put into place when stress gets overwhelming. Consider trying meditation, mindfulness, or yoga. Any form of physical exercise can also help reduce stress.
8. Take up a Hobby
Taking up a new hobby or dedicating time to an activity you enjoy is a great way to care for your mental health. Whether it’s getting lost in a good book, using your creativity for art, or learning a new language, setting aside time for something that brings you joy is important.
When you find something that you enjoy doing, you’re more likely to make it a long-term habit. It’s also a fantastic way to learn and discover new experiences.
How to Stick With Your Healthy Habits
Creating healthy habits is about caring for yourself, but it requires time and determination. Be sure to start with small steps to help you stay consistent. Get help and support from friends and family who will encourage you to stick with your goals. Remember, your effort will pay off in the long run and have positive benefits on your health and happiness.
