10 Healthy Habits to Adopt This Year

Aaron Lao
5 Minutes Read
Updated:

Research shows that people who wake up earlier have higher cortisol levels, which is associated with energy and productivity.

    Our habits reveal what kind of person we are. That’s why creating healthy habits and breaking bad ones is important, especially when it comes to things like succeeding or feeling happier.

    Regardless of your reason, in this article, you’ll discover the healthy habits that are worth trying, ranging from minimizing screen time to learning something new every day.

    With that said, keep on reading, and let’s make this year worthwhile!

    Avoid doom-scrolling.

    A woman sits and stares at her phone in a depressed manner

    Too much screen time has been a problem these days. And one culprit of it is scrolling too much on social media.

    It can be addicting to the point you find yourself consuming content for hours on social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

    This bad habit can make you waste a lot of time and prevent you from achieving the goals you’ve set or keeping your New Year’s resolutions.

    To avoid mindlessly scrolling, consider turning off your notifications, setting time limits for app usage, and deleting apps that always distract you.

    Eat for nutrition, not just for pleasure.

    A man eats from a bowl of healthy looking food

    It’s kind of annoying that healthy foods typically taste bad while unhealthy ones make your mouth water.

    However, it doesn’t always have to be this way, as there are some ways to make healthier foods taste yummy! Some examples would be roasting your veggies or adding herbs and spices to it.

    It’s also worth noting that eating healthy doesn’t necessarily mean you only eat fruits and vegetables. You can still take a bite of that donut or drink those sugary drinks. Just remember to consume them in moderation!

    Exercise consistently.

    A woman's hand grasps a dumbbell

    Besides eating healthier, exercising is one of the things that’s always in the conversation if health is the topic.

    After all, working out improves your physical and mental health without making your wallet cry.

    But I want you to know that not everyone who works out becomes healthy. Why so? Well, it’s due to a lack of consistency.

    So, don’t think that one day or even a month of exercising is enough to keep you in shape for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way (although we wish it did)!

    Wake up earlier than usual.

    A woman wakes up and stretches at sunrise

    Research at the University of Westminster, UK, discovered that people who wake up earlier have higher cortisol levels, which is associated with energy and productivity.

    That explains why people generally feel more energized and motivated to accomplish their daily tasks when they wake up early rather than late.

    It’s worth reminding, though, that for this to be a healthy habit, you need to get to bed early enough; going to bed late and waking up early is terrible for you!

    Socialize more.

    A group of friends laughs together around a table of food

    While spending time with your own thoughts can be a good thing, too much of it can be a buzzkill for your mental health.

    That’s why you also have to interact with others since it prevents loneliness, increases happiness, and even improves your memory.

    So, get yourself out there, have some chit-chats, and make new friends!

    But just like fact number two, remember that balance is key since both socializing and spending time alone have their fair share of pros and cons.

    Take up journaling.

    A hand writes in a book on a desk

    Whenever you write down your thoughts and feelings, it helps you process your emotions, reduce stress, and reflect on yourself.

    In other words, journaling is essential for your mental well-being!

    But other than improving your mental health, journaling also serves as a documentary of your life.

    Come to think of it, wouldn’t it be nice to flick back through old journals, and reflect on how far you’ve come along?

    Practice mindfulness.

    A woman sits peacefully in a chair and looks out of a window while sipping a coffee

    Mindfulness meditation is about meditating while being in the moment, accepting whatever thoughts come into your mind without judgment.

    As a result, you gain more focus, reduce stress levels, and become less emotionally reactive.

    Keep in mind, though, that mindfulness doesn’t just revolve around meditation. It can also be practiced with other activities, like yoga, tai chi, and qigong.

    Implement a skincare routine.

    A woman in a white robe with a towel on her head applying skin cream to her face

    According to dermatologists, a proper skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated.

    All you really need are three things: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. They say anything other than the three mentioned are just optional.

    Looking after your skin is a great habit to adopt, since, just like exercising, skincare not only benefits your physical but also your mental well-being.

    This is because caring for your skin activates happy hormones like dopamine and serotonin and boosts self-confidence, making you look good and feel good!

    Get organized.

    A note with the words "stay organized" written on it next to a cup of coffee and a pen

    Becoming an organized person has many mental health benefits.

    It eliminates distractions and stress in your surroundings, making you feel relaxed or giving you peace of mind. As the saying goes, “A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind.”

    In addition, when you plan and organize what you eat daily, you also become physically healthier.

    Now, I know some claim being messy can boost your creativity; even Albert Einstein implied that an empty desk equates to an empty mind.

    But hey, if disorganization deteriorates your life, then copying them might not be a great idea!

    Become a lifelong learner.

    A woman at a desk learning something using her laptop

    There’s a saying that the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing. This alone is enough to make us realize how important lifelong learning is.

    But to be more specific, learning consistently can provide you with many benefits. For example, it can keep your brain healthy, increase self-esteem, and make life a little more interesting!

    So, starting from now on, become the best and healthiest version of yourself by reading a book, learning a new skill, or picking up a new hobby!

     

    Habits can make you or break you. And while you can’t do anything about the unhealthy habits you’ve had in the past, like always using your phone and waking up late, I’m here to tell you it’s never too late to change!

    Let this be a sign to replace them with healthy ones today.

    Start cleaning your place, never let a day pass without learning something new, and become a skincare fanatic.

    Of course, changing your habits is easier said than done. But please don’t use this as an excuse not to start improving your life!

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About The Author

Aaron Lao
Aaron Lao

Aaron is a freelance eCommerce content writer and email marketer. He's on a mission to learn a lot about different subjects in his lifetime. When he isn't writing, expect him to work on his hobbies while documenting his progress.

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