In the office of a local school is a poster that reads Simple Wellness Habits. Reading through these tips I love the simplicity and the powerful message of each suggestion. It is a great reminder in our busy lives to take a few moments daily to engage in these suggestions and focus on our health and wellness. I encourage you to choose a few of these tips daily to develop habits to improve your journey into wellness. These simple wellness tips include:
- Move for 2-5 minutes every hour.
- Stretch for a minute every hour.
- Go outside at lunch or after work.
- Plan your evening the day before.
- Send someone a nice message.
- Eat dinner before 7:00 pm.
- Make sure one meal each day has no added sugar.
- Restrict screen time after 9:00 pm.
- Do a 15-minute workout every day.
- Start or maintain a gratitude journal.
- Blast cold water at the end of a hot shower.
- Sip water often.
Remember, you do not have to do everything on this list, and you do not have to do it all at once! There may be times when you are more focused on your physical wellness and times when you are working on your mental, emotional or social wellness. You also may have your own simple tips not on this list that you incorporate daily into your routine that keep you energized and healthy.
If you are at increased risk for or are managing a certain condition, paying attention to your numbers (blood sugar, cholesterol, etc.) may be your primary focus when it comes to healthy habits. In this regard, the American Heart Association offers 8 lifestyle tips to promote heart health, and the Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 tips for a healthy brain and body.
If you need some help establishing a new healthy habit, the American Heart Association has great resources on making habits stick!
Written by: Beth Stefura, Ohio State University Extension Educator, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, Ohio State University Extension Educator, Franklin County
References:
American Heart Association. Life’s Essential 8. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8
American Heart Association. Making Habits Stick. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/habits
Mayo Clinic Health System (2022). 7 tips to live a happier life. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-tips-to-live-a-happier-life
Tello, M. (2020). Healthy lifestyle: 5 keys to a longer life. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-lifestyle-5-keys-to-a-longer-life-2018070514186
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