We all try to have healthy habits. And it is important to have healthy habits year round.

When it comes to healthy habits- it doesn’t have to be grueling exercises or crazy diets.

Just a few everyday lifestyle habits can go a long way. And these habits are easier than you think. By integrating these 5 habits – you can be on your way to improving your overall health and wellness. Which can mean a longer and happier life!

Here are 5 Everyday Healthy Habits

1. Put Down The Car Keys and Walk!

Driving is super convenient and often the easiest – especially if you have a lot of running around to do. But for small trips or going out just to get out of the house – try walking instead!

Gas prices are constantly on the rise. And walking is so good for us.
You get to exercise while seeing all the beauty of nature on the way!!

Here are some of the things walking can help do for you:

• Reduce the risk of heart attack or other serious heart ailments
• Build stronger bones and improve your balance
• Promote weight loss by walking just 30 minutes a day
• Reduce joint stiffness or pain
• Increase muscle mass and strength

And so much more!

So next time you have somewhere to go – think of taking a stroll to get there instead!

Your wallet and your body will thank you!

2. Be Sure To Drink Water

We need water to digest our food and get rid of waste

Health experts commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon a day of water intake for the average adult. This is called the 8×8 rule and it is super easy to follow!

If you aren’t a fan of water- there are plenty of ways to spruce it up with all the flavor shots out there – or by adding some fresh fruit! Water doesn’t have to be boring. Add some lime or lemon to zest it up!

Drinking water will keep you hydrated, and if you are looking to lose weight- water before your meal can also help you feel fuller faster – so you actually eat less! 

3. Eat Well

Now – when we say eat well – we don’t mean you have to diet. We mean just eating healthy options.  

A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. It protects us against health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It is important to ensure we are eating a good amount of fruits and vegetables each day, as well as protein and fiber. But we also must eat LESS salt, sugar, and trans fats that hide in every processed food.

Processed foods seem like a quick and easy option for many. Especially those on the go. But fresh foods are ideal for you. They are jam-packed full of the vitamins and minerals your body craves and needs to function at its best.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food Pyramid suggests that for a healthy diet each day you should eat:

• 2 to 4 servings of fruits and 4 to 6 servings of vegetables
• 6 to 8 servings of grains
• 2 to 3 servings of milk, yogurt, and cheese
• 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts

Be creative with your meals. Just because it is healthy food- doesn’t mean it has to be boring!

4. Exercise

Exercising in the summer seems like a task especially when the sun is beating down and the heat outside gets to you. But a little bit of exercise each day can go a long way!

Here are a few ways that just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you:

• Boost your metabolism
• Increase your energy
• Promote better sleep
• Build up your immune system

Again- this doesn’t have to be a major workout where you are sweating nonstop! This could be a 30-minute walk with your dog each day, 30 minutes of yoga or pilates, 30 minutes of a home workout, or going to the gym. The sky is the limit with how you can exercise!

5. Get Your Beauty Sleep

We all need sleep. Ideally, 8 hours of shut-eye a day is what we need to feel rested and for our body to revitalize itself. While we sleep- our body is essentially refueling itself. We have all woken up from a broken sleep- feeling run down and tired. Lack of sleep can actually lower our immune system, promote weight gain, cause brain fog and do so much more to wreak havoc on us.

Just like eating, sleep is essential for our survival. It allows our body and mind to recharge, leaving us feeling refreshed and alert when we wake up. Healthy sleep can also help our body remain healthy and stave off diseases. And without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly. How are we supposed to take on the day when we are barely functioning from lack of sleep?

Sleep gives your body a rest and allows it to prepare for the next day. It’s like giving your body a mini-vacation. And who doesn’t love a vacation!?

These 5 habits are super easy to add to your everyday life and routine. And of course- it will benefit your body and mind. Try them today and get on the path to healthier living!