The new year is fast approaching, and like clockwork, people are creating a new set of resolutions. One that most Americans are focusing on is cultivating better habits for their mind and body. In an October 2022 survey by Medifast, 57% of individuals said they planned on spending more time on their health and well-being in the coming year. This is possible by incorporating a few essential habits into your daily routine, including drinking more water, walking and meditating more often, and getting that much-needed sleep. Read on to learn more about the four daily habits on How to Have a Healthy Mind and Body.
4 Daily Habits for a Better Mind and Body
1. Drink More Water
Dehydration can cause you to feel tired and can negatively impact your brain function. To prevent this, you should be mindful of how much water you drink throughout the day. If you’re feeling low, it might be that you aren’t consuming enough. Drinking water is essential for your mind and body; this is all the more true since it can boost your energy and improve mobility. One way you drink more water is by always carrying a water bottle with you. A water bottle isn’t only convenient to have around, especially when you have to run out of the house for errands, but it’s also easy to refill as well. Consider also stocking every room in your home with a container of water. These can serve as physical reminders that prompt you to consume more water for a healthier mind and body.
2. Walk 10,000 steps daily
The above Medifast survey shows that 68% of Americans know that daily exercise plays a huge role in their well-being. But physical activity can be a lofty goal for people without the energy or time to do it regularly. If you have a packed schedule, walking is a great (not to mention convenient!) daily activity that can improve your mind and body. For one, it can stabilize your blood sugar. Walking 10,000 steps a day facilitates a much lower glucose and insulin response after a meal. Similarly, walking can boost your brain’s ability to adapt to new situations, as a Current Biology study shares. One way you can achieve 10,000 steps daily is by foregoing daily transport. Instead of taking the train, for example, walk to your destination. If you have the time, consider taking a hike through nature trails as well. This way, you can get in some much-needed fresh air as you work your way towards that 10,000th step.
3. Meditate Often
Stress is part and parcel of everyone’s day-to-day life. More often than not, it chips away from your health and well-being. Studies have reported how meditation can help combat stress and strengthen your mind and body. Firstly, research on the mood benefits of meditation explains that the activity can decrease blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol and cytokine levels. Simply put, with meditation, you can regulate your stress better. Now, meditation is easy enough to make into a habit. Every morning after you wake up, spare five to ten minutes of your time to reflect on your goals for the day. You’ll find that starting your morning with meditation can clear your head and make you feel more attentive to your tasks. Consider keeping a gratitude journal, where you can also list specific people, things, or events that make you happy. Identifying your sources of joy is a great way to practice mindfulness and reduce stress.
4. Sleep Earlier
Going about your daily routine can be taxing for your mind and body. Thankfully, sleep has the power to make you feel more refreshed and recharged. Of course, when you don’t get enough hours of shut-eye, it does more harm than good to your health. For the record, adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night; this is required for proper brain and behavioral functions. So as much as possible, try to sleep earlier. This can be done by minimizing your exposure to blue light. It’s well-known that blue light stimulates your brain, making you feel more alert. That said, avoid using your cell phone, tablet, or computer after getting ready for bed. Aside from that, make sure to fall asleep at the same time each night. This not only allows your body to stick to a reliable schedule, but it also ensures you can sleep early for an improved mind and body.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful in your quest on How to Have a Healthy Mind and Body!
More importantly, thank you for spending your time here at Colorado Kelly! I love having you here and appreciate everyone that visits and look forward to having you back soon!
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Whitney Stewart
These are definitely some really good advise. This year I really want to try and do more healthier habits; like walking more and taking ‘meditative’ breaks when I’m feeling stressed out. Plus it helps these are super easy to get into. Thank you so much for my New Years resolution!
Kelly
Thank you! I hope you get better habits in the new year!
Jennifer Prince
Oof! You got me on the drink more water one. I try to do this when I think of it, but I drink way too much coffee. I need to get better!
Kelly
I drink to much unsweet tea! I am right there with you!
Brooke
Great article! Activity and proper water intake are truly some of the best ways to feel better!
Kelly
Yes they are!!!
Julie Shahin
How long does it take to walk 10,000 steps? Does an elliptical count? Right now I’m nowhere near that!
Kelly
I get in 10k steps just about everyday walking my dogs. But it is close to 4 miles for me to get it.
Patricia Chamberlain
These are wonderful tips! Getting extra sleep really helps me feel my best.
Kelly
Good! Keep it up!
Olga
You gave us great tips! Last four years, I go to bed at 9.30 pm because my kids wake up at 6! But I enjoy it. I still need to drink more water.
Kelly
I think everyone needs to drink more water!
Mila Osman
The sleep reminder is HUGE. Once I made that change in my lifestyle, everything clicked! It’s so important.
Kelly
That is awesome!
Fransic verso
I need to work on my sleep and have a good sleep schedule. These are interesting habits and I try now to drink more water as well. Thank you for sharing these lovely habits.
Kelly
Keep trying!
Knycx Journeying
Mental health is of great importance as well as good sleep. Thank you very much for sharing your insights. 🙂
Kelly
You’re welcome!
Ntensibe Edgar
Nnniiiccceeee…I am doing the first 3 things you have talked about. I am yet to begin sleeping earlier.
Kelly
Good!!!
Christian Foremost
I wish I could do all of these things, but I’m totally lacking in the meditation aspect. Wish I had more time for self-care!
Kelly
I am lacking there too!