18 Healthy Habits to Adopt

Why wait until the new year, start with these 18 healthy habits today!

1. Make your bed - a simple way to start your morning and set yourself up for success.

2. Spend time outside - step outside for 5-10 minutes to fill your lungs with fresh air and get your daily vitamin D dose.

3. Wear sunscreen - make this a part of your daily skin routine, even in Winter! Trust me, your skin will thank me later.

4. Walk/cycle instead of driving - you'll get some exercise while reducing your carbon footprint.

5. Eat more fruit and vegs - Even if your mom doesn't force you to, you still should. Come on, google a delicious recipe for vegetable roast or simply add fruits to your breakfast and lunch.

6. Visit your older family members - if you are in contact with older relatives (grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles, etc.) make sure to spend time with them before it is too late.

7. Drink more water - Start your day by drinking a glass of water and keep doing so throughout the day.

8. Volunteer - volunteering has a wonderful "feel good" effect on one. See my post which discusses benefits and where you can volunteer if you live in or near Cape Town.

9. Designate a day for meatless meals - Pick one day out of your week, and skip out on red meat or meat altogether.

10. Self-love made easy - Look in the mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and tell yourself, 'I love you.' Keep going and within a short time, you will believe it.

11. Read - by reading only 10 pages a day, you can complete 3+ books a year.

12. Prioritize sleep - find a designated time for going to sleep and for waking up.

13. Don't drink caffeine after lunch - caffeine can interfere with your sleep cycle so cut back on it a few hours before dinner. Better yet, go caffeine free for a day, a week, or longer.

14. Say thank you - expressing your gratitude lets people know that you appreciate their efforts.

15. Pray or meditate - find at least 5 minutes per day to connect with your deity of choice or take time to focus on clearing your head.

16. Hold yourself accountable - This is one I tend to struggle with. Admit when you're wrong and don't go back on your word.

17. Cut back your social media usage - our screens keep us glued to them for far too long. You could replace this time with one of the habits listed above or spend it doing something you are passionate about.

18. Keep track of your goals - this could be tracking the above habits or any other goals you said. This makes goals easier to achieve.

Struggling with a few of these myself I understand that they don't come easily. Try your best to find habits that work for you, but don't punish yourself if they don't come easily - sometimes, failing forms one with the journey to success.