5 HEALTHY HABITS

SIMPLE AND BEST HEALTH HABITS TO START AT YOUR HOME

1. STAY ACTIVE AND SIT LESS:

Whether working out is something you look forward to or something you dread, you probably can't deny that exercising just makes you feel better. Not only does exercise give you an energy boost and help you manage your weight, it also reduces your risk of several health conditions and improves your mental well-being.

But staying active doesn't just begin and end with the 30 minutes you dedicate to your workout. It also means reducing the amount of time you're sitting all day.

You can't — and probably shouldn't — exercise all day. But you can make an effort to stay active throughout the day while still getting your work done.

2.GET GOOD QUALITY OF SLEEP:

You already know what happens when you don't get enough quality sleep — you're low on energy, you can't concentrate, you're less productive and the list goes on. Lack of sleep actually affects more than how you feel the next day. Over time, insufficient sleep affects your overall health and can lead to a variety of chronic health conditions.

But there's a lot more to getting a good night's sleep than just going to bed on time or keeping your room dark.

3.STAY HYDRATED:

We all know how easy it is to grab another can of soda or cup of coffee instead of another glass of water. With the wide array of beverages available these days, water always seems like the boring option.

Your body relies on water to perform a laundry list of vital tasks, including supporting your brain function, helping circulate blood throughout your body and regulating your body temperature. Since you're constantly losing water throughout the day as you breathe, sweat and use the restroom, it's critical that you replace the water you lose.

4.EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

According to the CDC, we're not eating enough fruits and vegetables. In fact, only 9% of Americans meet the daily vegetable intake recommendation. If you're thinking that we're doing better with our fruit consumption, we're not. The same report found that only 12% of Americans eat enough fruit every day.

The USDA's My Plate (aka, the food guidance system that replaced the food pyramid) suggests that half of our plates be filled with fruits and vegetables. Answer honestly: Can you even remember the last time half of your plate met those guidelines (other than when eating a salad)?

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables comes with important health benefits, including weight management and a reduced risk of many chronic health conditions. The reality is that if you're not eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, you're missing out on the health benefits they provide. It also may mean you're filling up on calorie-dense foods or ones that are heavily processed — which, when eaten in excess, can come with health disadvantages.

5. REWARD YOURSELF THE RIGHT WAY:

After a long week of work, a hard workout or some other goal or challenge you've met, it's natural to want to reward yourself. Rewards are important. A reward makes you feel good, encourages you to continue to make good choices and, frankly, you deserve it.

But if the reward you choose is inherently unhealthy, is it truly a reward? Whether it's eating an entire family-size bag of chips, drinking two too many glasses of wine or binge-watching TV all weekend, not all rewards are actually rewarding to your body and brain.

Rather than overdoing it on unhealthy indulgences, consider making your reward something that you not only enjoy, but are grateful for. It could be a person, a pet, a hobby or just some nice weather — whatever it is, invest your time there as your reward. For instance, if you're grateful for your husband and your quiet backyard, give yourself a guilt-free hour to sit outside with him and a glass of wine while he grills dinner for the two of you.

A lot goes into forming and maintaining healthy habits. By starting small and choosing habits that are easy to stick to no matter where you are, your likelihood of making healthy choices — day in and day out — greatly increases. And be sure to give yourself plenty of leeway as you're forming healthy habits, making sure you're not packing on the guilt when you make a misstep.

Remember, moving for just 10 minutes is better than not moving at all. Going to bed late now and again happens. Replacing even just one can of soda with a glass of water is progress. Eating a sandwich instead of a salad doesn't mean your diet is out the window. And rewards are important, as long as you keep them healthy or indulge in moderation.