3 Simple Habits I use for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Having even just a few healthy habits can really help me feel like I am thriving. And by "thriving" I mean I have energy, feel good about myself, am productive, and feel like I'm setting a good example for my son, A. Really, it can make all the difference in the world of me feeling great versus feeling crappy in every way possible. Not only do my health-related habits affect me in the present, but they will affect me later on in life so I am hoping that I am making the right decisions to keep me active and healthy later on. Below are three ways I stay healthy.

Be Physically Active

I make sure I stay physically active by doing yoga each day, and if I have time, doing a fun workout in addition. I also go on a 3.5 mile run at least once a week. After doing something to keep myself physically active, I notice that I feel energized and my back and neck don't ache so much. The more my body gets used to being active, the more I feel like anything is possible. For example, when I hike a really steep hike while carrying my three-year-old every week, I feel like I can do just about any hike. When I go on a seven mile run, I feel like it is possible that I could do a marathon.

Get Eight Hours of Sleep

I've learned that getting enough rest is really important. When I get enough sleep, I have more energy, my brain thinks more clearly, and I have the motivation to get things done. Having too much or too little sleep can really throw off my whole day. I usually try to go to bed around 9:30 or 10pm and then wake up at 6am. Even if I still feel a little tired in the morning when it is time for me to wake up, I find that if I just get up anyway, I feel great for the rest of the day. Whereas, if I sleep in too long, I end up regretting it and feel like I've wasted too much of my day.

Eat a Healthy Diet

I generally eat a pretty healthy diet as I am vegetarian. This means I tend to eat more plants and have to find alternative ways of getting protein. Instead of meat, I usually eat tofu, quinoa, oats, and incorporate various seeds into much of my food. By eating healthy, I tend to have more energy and a better mood. When I eat junkier food with little nutrition, I get irritable and everyone knows it. I also try to minimize eating things that are junky. For example, when I go to the store, I don't stock up on processed snacks and treats. We may get a box of donuts from the markdown rack or a bag of potato chips once in a while, but that is usually the extent of it.