10 Small Healthy Habits That Make a Big Difference

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You’re trying to concentrate on your health, but life keeps getting in the way. There’s no time for the gym between work or the kids — before you know it, the day is over, and you haven’t even packed the dishwasher yet. Thankfully, there are ways you can include small healthy habits in your day or over your weekend that will keep you feeling healthier and revitalized without having to make time for a special workout trip. 

1. Go to Sleep 30 Minutes Earlier

A good night’s sleep is more important than you might realize. If you’re planning on starting healthy habits, go to bed 30 minutes or an hour earlier than usual. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle even more beneficial practices in the morning. Climb into bed, power down your phone and leave it to charge until morning. Keep the TV off and take a book to bed with you to signal your brain that it’s time to sleep — you’ll be in dreamland before you know it.

2. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

When you wake up in the morning — perhaps sooner than usual because of your earlier bedtime and good night’s sleep — take time to eat a healthy breakfast. Choose something high in fiber that includes protein to keep you energized and full during the day. 

Maybe you’re not used to eating breakfast at all? It’s time to change that with a healthy bowl of oatmeal with a mixed nut topping or a breakfast burrito with an egg and cheese filling. After a few days, that early morning brain fog will disappear much quicker — if it makes an appearance at all.

3. Take an Hour Doing Something to Improve Your Health

When you start waking earlier in the mornings, there’ll be more time to do something healthy before the kids get up or your carpool arrives. Use this time to declutter your study or weed a patch in your garden. Decluttering is a form of therapy that rids you of negative feelings, and gardening lowers stress and anxiety levels and lightens your mood. You don’t have to do a full hour in the mornings, but fit at least one into your daily routine. Try to allocate more time on weekends.

4. Work on Your Posture

Correcting your posture is a healthy exercise you can do in the office, on a park bench or sitting in front of the TV. Unhealthy sitting can alleviate strain on your joints, ligaments and spine while also preventing painful neck and backaches that may result. Be conscious of how you sit, and make it a habit to remind yourself to straighten your back until the action becomes natural. The same goes when you walk — lift your chin and push your shoulders back. Doing so is healthy and will also help you to naturally feel more confident.  

5. Drink an Extra Glass of Water Every Day

Even if you’re not a water drinker, get into the habit of having one additional glass daily. Drinking water keeps you hydrated — your heart works better, and you won’t suffer as much from swollen feet, headaches, tiredness and lethargy. There’s no set amount of water you should drink, as the figure depends on your body weight. At least four to six glasses a day won’t hurt, though, and feel free to mix it with flavoring if you don’t like the natural taste.

6. Take a Short Mindful Walk

Walking outdoors is a healthy exercise, but when you add a mindful element to a short walk, you’ll feel more restful and relaxed during and after. Mindful walks are one of several somatic exercises you can do to help you recover from trauma and release tension and emotional blockages. Remember, small habits can aid you mentally as well as physically. 

7. Work Out at Home

Maybe you usually go to the gym before work or after you take the kids to school. Perhaps you prefer to go after work or in the late evening, but it can be challenging to find the time during a busy day. Create the same habit at home using your furniture or other simple techniques to build your strength and resistance. From chair dips to glute bridges and heel raises to seated bicep curls, there are many exercises you can do to keep fit and active. 

8. Eat Dinner Earlier

Eating your dinner earlier can counter weight gain and improve fluctuating sugar levels in your body, especially if you’re eating healthily at noon and less in the evening. Whatever time you eat at night, try to eat a smaller healthy meal to allow your body’s metabolism to digest the calories you took in throughout the day. You’ll also find you sleep better, especially without screen time before bed.

9. Limit Unhealthy Snacking

During the day and before bed, eating less sugar and unhealthy carbs — and drinking less soda — is a healthy habit to form. By all means, eat healthy snacks and sip on carbonated water if you’re feeling peckish or thirsty, but if you’re in the habit of eating snacks before bed, try to stop. Give yourself time to wean off your favorite snacks, though. You’re not perfect.

10. Weigh Yourself — but Don’t Obsess About Your Weight

Make it a habit to weigh yourself once a week, but don’t let your weight be a defining factor in practicing healthy habits. Rather, let it serve as a reminder of the progress you’re making or the need to become more regimented in improving or maintaining your habits. Bear in mind that your weekly weight should never dictate how you feel as a person — recognize the progress you’re making physically, mentally and emotionally by working on your health.

These 10 Healthy Habits Will Make a Huge Difference

Introducing these small healthy habits can change your life in positive ways. Whether you try them all at once or gradually, you’ll become less stressed, have more energy and be able to find a daily routine that fits in everything. More sleep, healthier eating and higher levels of physical and mental exercise will improve your outlook, your motivation and your emotional well-being. In addition, if one of your goals is to lose weight, be ready to be pleasantly surprised.