Healthier Habits That Actually Pay Off

We’ve all gotten the ads on our social media or even just while reading and watching the news about how we can lose weight quickly or get a tighter butt in less than two weeks. Though, the reality is that many of these gimmicks are pure quackery and rarely work or are safe and healthy, to say the least. There’s also the truth that healthy doesn’t “look” the same on everyone. Every single body is a beautiful body. The most important thing you can possess is a feeling of confidence and knowing that you are putting not only your physical but your mental and emotional well-being on the front burner and taking proactive steps to be the best version of yourself you can be. 

This is, of course, easier said than done for most of us. With jobs, family, and social obligations, we don’t always choose ourselves first. Frankly, sometimes we choose ourselves last. So, the sure-fire way to health success, which of course will affect weight loss or skin and hair goals, is to put a roadmap in place of daily decisions we make enough that they become a habit. Let’s take a look at some that we can prioritize today to start making (and seeing) immediate results.

Truly Nourish Your Body 

The easiest and quickest way to truly nourish and honor your body is to feed and sustain it with the healthiest food possible. While some people might believe that budgetary restrictions could get in the way of accomplishing this, you can always rearrange your budget to make a bit more wiggle room. You don’t necessarily have to go all organic when shopping for your fruit and produce, but there are some basics you need to cover. You should be eating the food you love in its purest, most natural, and the whole state. 

So, cutting out overly processed convenience and fast foods is a no-brainer. You don’t have to cut out sugar, but refined sugar? It would be best if you gave it a try. You can quickly satisfy your sweet tooth through naturally occurring sugars in fruits and dark chocolates. You should also cut down on your meat and dairy consumption if you find yourself partaking in those foods every day. No one is saying you have to be entirely plant-based, but it is good to eat those things in moderation for optimal health. 

Move That Body 

Whether you decide to join a gym or invest in a home workout system, the choice is yours; but it is so vital that we move our bodies each and every day. Some days you may want to be gentle with yourself and do something like pilates or yogas. If you are a newbie to any workout, never fear – there is an unlimited amount of content online to help tutor and guide you in your journey to physical wellness. Pick your favorite social platform and start searching for the type of exercise you want to get into and build on there. The important thing is finding a style you enjoy so you’ll stick with it. 

Hydration is Key 

We all know that water is the essence of life, so make sure you’re correctly hydrating every day. They say at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. Of course, you need to modify this amount depending on your activity level and if you’re spending time outdoors. So, it could be much higher than that during the summer months. Just drink enough water, period.

Routine Appointments

Of course, you want and need to be keeping up with your routine checkups with your primary care doctor, gynecologist, and any other specialist you see. But add some others, like making sure you see a dermatologist to keep your skin as healthy as possible. You also want to make sure you’re keeping up with your hair and nail health, so if that means appointments at those types of salons, keep those up as well. Grooming is an integral part of overall health and a real confidence booster. 

Guard Your Mental Health 

Lastly, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay in a balanced and positive emotional and mental state. This type of health is just as important as our physical health. Working on mindfulness techniques through meditation and breathwork is one route to take. If you are in therapy or think you could benefit from it, you should make an appointment for in-person or telehealth treatment. 

So, here’s to your health! Make these habits part of your everyday routine until they become second nature. Hopefully, you’re already feeling great, but this will keep you there; and, if you’re not and need a nudge in a healthier direction, these will do the trick!