Everywhere we look, there are fad diet ads, exercise tips, and wellness suggestions vying for our attention. But what advice is worth our time and where should we start? We’ve narrowed down four healthy habits that you can implement right away.
1) Improve Your Balance
Spend time everyday working on your balance. This could mean brushing your teeth while standing on one foot flamingo-style or lifting one leg up without wobbling in the grocery line. When focusing on balance, it’s important to: calm your breath, steady your gaze, and engage your core. Speaking of your core (remember this is the front, back and sides of your torso), a strong core is pivotal to good balance. And, unfortunately, our balance only gets worse as we age. Try out these exercises for a stronger core and better overall balance.
- Center Plank: Engages multiple muscle groups, including your transverse abdominis, which improves core stability.
- Crossbody Punches: Reach across your body with a strong fist and powerfully punch (the air). For even more instability, perform the exercise while on a less-stable foam mat or while standing on one leg. Add a weight to further up the ante.
- Single-leg squat: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and keep your chest lifted proudly. Extend your arms out in front of you to help counterbalance your squat. Put all of your weight fully on one leg. Your other leg could hover off the floor or your toes might be tapped down lightly. Put the rest of your weight in your “working” leg, and push your hips back as you bend.
Need even more balance-improving exercises? Look here. Now that you’re hardcore, stand a little straighter and hold your head up high!
2) Perfect Your Posture
Stand tall, stand proud, and look (and feel) more confident. You may remember your mom telling you to “stop hunching.” Well, it turns out she was right. The health effects of poor posture are nothing to slouch at.
The good thing is that there are plenty of tools to help you rectify your rounding, including posture correctors and simple neck stretches. Most neck stretches can even be done from your desk! Try this from your seat now: gently press your flexed right palm down by your side. Next, bend your left ear toward your left shoulder. For slightly more intensity, softly press your head into your left hand. Throughout the day, continuously reminding yourself to roll your shoulders up, back, and down will instantly have you sitting taller. Perform these exercises anytime you feel your body slumping or your neck aching.
3) Prioritize Hydration
Stand tall, stand proud, and look (and feel) more confident. You may remember your mom telling you to “stop hunching.” Well, it turns out she was right. The health effects of poor posture are nothing to slouch at.
The good thing is that there are plenty of tools to help you rectify your rounding, including posture correctors and simple neck stretches. Most neck stretches can even be done from your desk! Try this from your seat now: gently press your flexed right palm down by your side. Next, bend your left ear toward your left shoulder. For slightly more intensity, softly press your head into your left hand. Throughout the day, continuously reminding yourself to roll your shoulders up, back, and down will instantly have you sitting taller. Perform these exercises anytime you feel your body slumping or your neck aching.
3) Prioritize Hydration
This means taking a nice, long drink even before you feel thirsty. Bored of the same old tap water? Consider adding a little something extra to your water bottle or sipping on green tea, which even improves brain function. Water also enhances your mood and prevents fatigue. Sounds healthy, right? So, drink up!
H2O add-ins:
- Drink mix: This pineapple coconut drink mix helps replenish lost electrolytes while ensuring you get a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Fruit-infused water: Add fruit, such as lemons and cucumbers, and herbs, such as rosemary and mint, to your water for increased flavor, naturally.
- Water tablets: These effervescent “hit reset” tablets are super easy to add into your water bottle. They’re jam packed with energy and electrolytes to ensure that you stay uber hydrated throughout your day.
4) Pique Your Senses
Taking a camping trip is a terrific way to activate your senses and engage your brain in new ways. Many campsites have bad cell service, which means a digital detox for you, and extra quality time with the ones you love. The bonus dose of Vitamin D and fresh outdoor air is awesome, as well. Tap into your senses as you pay attention to the new smells (fresh pine, campfire smoke, a nearby stream), subtle sounds (a bird chirping, tree branches snapping), and more! Catch a sunrise and enjoy the many benefits of the great outdoors.
Now that you’ve gotten started with a few new healthy habits, keep the momentum going! Continue reflecting on what you can do to improve your health and wellness. One idea is to more formally assess your strengths and weaknesses, here.
