Healthy Habits that Will Love You in Return
In the wise words of brain and mental health expert Dr. Daniel Amen,
“Do not love what doesn’t love you back.”
Have you ever considered that some of the things you love don’t feel the same way about you? Maybe you love to sit on your bed scrolling on your phone for an hour, but all your phone does is make you feel hopeless and frustrated. Or maybe you enjoy snacking on your favorite foods, but it doesn’t nourish your body.
Treating ourselves feels nice, but what if we were to focus our attention on the things that last? Try waking up and drinking a big glass of lemon water. This one action can help improve your mood, digestion, and energy level. Or make a habit of getting out in nature, listening to the birds singing, and feeling the breeze on your skin. Time in nature can reduce stress, and improve your overall physical health.
It is essential to find healthy habits that we enjoy, and will also be kind to both our bodies and our minds.
Here are 5 simple habits from AARP you can start today that actually will love you in return:
Go on exercise dates once a week
It can be hard to motivate yourself to move your body, but doing it with a friend always makes things so much better, as well as keeps you accountable! Try reaching out to a friend and planning times to exercise together.
2. Make your bed every morning
Not only does making your bed make your room look more tidy, but it also gives you something that you can control every morning. Sometimes all it takes is controlling the little things in life to make you feel more put together.
3. Charge your phone outside your bedroom
We have all experienced the temptation of scrolling on our phone, especially before we go to bed. Yet, we are typically never fulfilled by it. Charging your phone outside your room eliminates the temptation and can help you get more sleep to restore your body.
4. Decorate your house with healthy foods
Is the centerpiece of your table a bowl of candy or a basket of apples and bananas? Whatever you use to decorate your house with is likely what you will find yourself snacking on because of easy access. Choose to furnish your home with healthy foods that will nourish you!
5. Take walking phone calls
If you are someone who struggles to make time to exercise, maybe you can start adding little ways to move throughout the day. Every time you get a phone call, try to walk around as you take it. If you’re at your office, walk around the building or go outside. If you are at home, you can walk up and down the stairs. Even something as simple as this can help you feel so much better.
Now, you likely don’t want to start all of these at once, as that might be overwhelming. But, maybe choose just 1 or 2 of the ideas above to start implementing into your life. You will be surprised at how much happier and refreshed you feel by starting simple habits that you love, and that also love you back!