Healthy habits have a huge impact on our lives. We feel better both physically & mentally – and of course need less medical care. They contribute to a real sense of well being and stability. And even when we experience personal hardships or illness, healthy habits help us bounce right back and return to our usual selves much faster than someone who is less prepared. Here are some things to consider when assessing your day to day habits and how healthy they are.

Maintain your belongings

Keeping personal property in shape is one key to supporting healthy habits. It may sound a bit weird but when your furniture is attractive, your bed is comfy, and your electronics work well, you’ll feel much better about your home and surroundings. The home is a safe haven, a place to relax. We physically and mentally need it to be clean and comforting at the same time. Take a look at your surroundings and notice if something needs upkeep or replacing. Furniture lines like Bernhardt Furniture are a great resource for replacing old furniture and sprucing up your living spaces. If your kitchen is messy, it’s time to clean it and keep it neat – you’ll find it beneficial in terms of practicality, safety and hygiene. If you have a lot of clutter, or redundant broken electronics, it’s time to clear it all up and recycle it.

Eat nourishing foods and maintain an ideal weight

You truly are what you eat and eating healthily is the top way to take care of yourself. Whether you just want to avoid illness or you’re working at losing weight, your food is a top priority to consider. Avoiding processed foods is a good starting point. That way you really know exactly what you’re consuming. Secondly, eat as cleanly and as organically as possible. Read the labels on foodstuffs in order to avoid unnecessary additives, excess salt and sugar. The amount of sugar and salt added to many common foodstuffs can be quite surprising. When you eat well, your body feels well, and you mentally feel well. Many people speak about making dietary changes and suddenly they are less tired, more energetic and way more productive than before. Your body is a temple, worship it!

Exercise and enjoy it

Exercise is often overlooked because we tell ourselves we’re too busy. Really, we can fit in light exercise each day. Consider taking a short 10-15 minute walk in the morning, on your lunch break or after dinner. If you still struggle to find the time for a short walk, include them in your everyday errands. Perhaps park a little further away from your work entrance, supermarket or shopping centre than you could do – those extra steps will give you a bit of light exercise or head space to think. If walking isn’t exciting enough for you, find out what is. Try yoga, pilates, a running group or even a spin class. It doesn’t matter what it is so long as you’re taking time to work your body.

Don’t be the hermit

Everyone needs solitary time, we have to recharge from our work lives and home lives. Too much time alone isn’t taking care of our mental health though. We need social interaction to bring us a sense of peace, belonging and experience a bit of joy. Make sure that you’re not working too much or always at home. Once every couple of weeks, have friends over for a pot luck dinner. Go out to the cinema with a friend, meet someone for coffee or have a lunch date with someone with whom you don’t spend all day at work. If you’re struggling to make connections with people, check out a site like Meetup in order to find people who have similar interests as you.

Healthy bodies and minds can stave off so many of the illnesses that can plague us. It doesn’t mean you won’t ever get sick or feel down. However, with healthy habits and good friends you’ll find that you recover much quicker.

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