It is said that it takes about 21 days to successfully establish a good habit, though it seems like it doesn’t take as long when developing a bad habit. Habits can be made of up small actions, but the overall effect can impact your quality of life. Some habits encourage productivity while others lead to laziness or apathy. If you want to take a journey toward a healthier, happier you, these are some habits that you should work to develop.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
You may already recognize the importance of water to the body, but you still probably have a hard time getting in as much as you should. For a healthy habit, start by drinking a full glass of water once you wake up. The body gets dehydrated after a night’s sleep, and dehydration leads to feelings of fatigue. A glass water should be the first thing you focus on when you open your eyes each morning. It gives you an energy boost and kickstarts your morning.
2. Make Changes to Your Coffee Routine
A few studies have shown that drinking coffee can boost cognitive functioning, and some have even claimed that it can increase longevity. Coffee is useful for your brain, as it has some antioxidants that prolong your youth, encourage neuron functioning, and boost your reaction speeds. It has become commonplace for the health benefits of coffee to be undermined by all the additives and sugars found in creamers. A morning boost of energy can come from a liposome vitamin C supplement just as easily as a cup of Joe. Moderation is key in your coffee consumption.
3. Prioritize Your To-do List
Once you get past the breakfast table, the best way to improve your productivity levels is by getting your to-do list in order. For many, the tendency is to put off the things that you dread or that will take the most effort off as long they can. Psychologists recommend that by tacking the worst things on your list first every morning, you establish a psychological reward for yourself and create a self-confidence that carries you through the rest of the tasks.
4. Change Up Your Diet
If you already include a lot of fruits and vegetables into your diet, then give yourself a pat on the back. There is always room for improvement, and experts recommend striving for more purple and blue colors at mealtimes. Dark-colored foods, things like beets and blueberries, have higher concentrations of antioxidants, the nutrient needed to fight against damaging free radicals. It is also recommended that eating more fruits and vegetables in their natural, raw state maintains more of the nutrients.
5. Smile More
There is a connection between mood and well-being, with a positive rise in both when people smile more. It is estimated that children smile 400 times a day, compared to about a third of adults who only smile 20 times a day. Smiling causes the brain to produce more endorphins, and the circulatory system carries them throughout the body. Endorphins have been shown to reduce emotional discomfort and lessen feelings of physical pain.
6. Spend More Time Outside
Several forms of depression and poor sleeping patterns are related to a lack of vitamin D in the body. The body will produce vitamin D after exposure to sunlight, but it also increases the production of serotonin (the happiness hormone). Vitamin D is vital to the body’s ability to fight off mental and physical diseases. A walk at lunchtime or reading outdoors after dinner can have a big impact.
These habits are some easy ways to improve your quality of life. They boost your physical and mental health, ultimately helping you live your best life.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
