Good habits are hard to start, and bad habits are even harder to break. With the new year less than than two months away, many are seeking ways to improve, but are having trouble with how to fit those ways into their busy schedules. So, below is a list of easy habits to start. They don't take much time, and they'll help you lots in the long run.
Starting with the easiest...
1. Drink more water
You've probably hear it everywhere since elementary school, but it's for a good reason. Making sure you get 64 ounces ( eight, eight ounce glasses of water) each day doesn't just keep you hydrated. Drinking water has all sorts of health benefits: it relieves fatigue, improves your mood, aids weight loss, clears your skin, and many more. Not 'liking' water doesn't count either. There are plenty of other ways to get your water in. There's tea, coffee, milk, juice, and even foods like cucumbers with lots of water in them.
2. Wash your face every night
At the end of the day, you're tired, and probably just want to go straight to bed. But it's important to wash your face before your sleep, because your skin is just as tired as you are. Throughout the day, all sorts of oil, dust, and toxins get on your skin and into your pores. This can lead to more oil, dry patches, breakouts, and even faster aging. All it takes to prevent this is some basic skincare. Use a gentle face soap with some warm water at the end of each day (this includes the guys), and moisturize after, your skin will thank you.
3. Get enough sleep
I get it. There's nothing like ending a long and stressful day with a Netflix binge of your favorite show (that often lasts into the wee hours of the night). But not getting enough sleep (7-10 hours) can have some serious effects on your health. The next morning, you experience the typical headache, fatigue, crankiness, and confusion. But long term sleep deprivation can lead to mood swings, memory problems, a weaker immune system, depression, hallucinations, weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and in some very serious cases, death. So make sure you're setting your alarm and going to bed on time. Your mind and body will thank you.
4. Wind down
Ready for bed, but just can't seem to get to sleep? One thing that could be causing this is your electronics. The blue light that lights your screen is also shutting off a chemical in your eyes that typically tells you it's time for some shuteye. So, an hour before bed, get off your computer, phone, and tablet. In that extra hour, do some things like drink chamomile tea, take a bath, read, or stretch. Activities like these can also help you along to a deeper sleep.
5. Nap
Now, I know for this habit I probably won't even have to convince you. But just in case... Naps are great (in moderation).And not just because they feel amazing. In a study done on astronauts by NASA, it was found that even just a fifteen minute nap improved performance and brain activity. A nap improves your mood and can give you a much needed boost to get through the day.
6. Go outside
I know it sounds crazy. There's so many wonderful things inside. But, trust me on this, there's even more wonderful things outside. Plus, going outside each day has it's benefits. Several studies that show spending even just 10 minutes outside can help those with depression or anxiety, and can improve everyone's mood in general. Plus, you can get some much needed vitamin D from the sun, and nature is beautiful.
7. Stretch
This sounds a bit crazy too--because exercise--but it's actually not difficult at all. Some simple stretches done while watching TV or YouTube videos can make a world of difference. It's a given that stretching improves flexibility. But it also helps reduce stress, improve blood circulation, improve posture, reduces cholesterol, improve balance, and much more. So go out there (or stay in!), and streeeetch.
