8 Health and Fitness Habits–Start Today

When it comes to building healthy habits, small decisions add up over time. It’s hard to juggle everything on our plates, and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. I’ve been there. 

Below, you’ll find ideas that have helped me gain control of my health and wellness journey. I believe they’ll help you build a healthier YOU!

1. Rise and Shine – Begin with 16 oz of cool water, and get your workout on. It’s best to kick start your day with a morning workout, getting your body moving! Being hydrated will increase your energy level throughout the day, improving your state of mind and giving you a feeling of accomplishment. By working out first thing, there is nothing to come in the way of you not making it happen later. NO EXCUSES! 
2. Manage Stress –  Learn coping skills that work specifically for you. Stress management is key to your personal happiness throughout your life. Solid stress management skills, being mindful of your thoughts and actions, and creating healthy outlets for yourself will genuinely impact all areas of your life.
3. Family Health History – Know your family’s health history. Make a note of any diseases that you would be genetically at high risk of developing. Keep records and make notes as you speak with family members over the years. Knowing your family history is helpful information you’ll want to pass along to your children. 
4. Eat Less Sugar and Processed Foods – Open your kitchen cabinets, pantry, and refrigerator, grab a large trash bag and pull out all the processed foods and sugars. Make a list of healthy replacements. Restock with whole clean foods to include healthy protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and high-quality protein, to name a few. 
5. Annual Well-Care – When was the last time you had a wellness check-up with your doctor? Don’t be “too busy” to take care of yourself. Your family and friends need you, and if you want to help others, you need to be fit and healthy to have the energy to care for them. You know what they say, “put on your oxygen mask first, then help the person next to you.” Make an appointment for a complete physical. 
6. Make Your Bones and Muscles a Priority – You don’t need a gym to gain strength. Have a few dumbbells on hand at home to lift and lower. You’ll strengthen bones while toning and gaining muscle. Taking Vitamin D and Calcium, along with keeping active with regular weight-bearing workouts, will keep you strong. 
7. Keep Moving – Lead an active life. Have interests and hobbies that keep you active. Maintaining mobility as we age is critical to our quality of life. Walk daily, ride a bike, keeping yourself active and limber. Be sure you are moving with a full range of motion. Doing yard work, playing with your children or grandchildren without pain or discomfort or joint limitations, as we age, is a beautiful feeling! 
8. Sleep – Rest is as important as your workouts and nutrition. Sleeping is the time the body repairs and restores. It’s when the muscles grow. Keep a good sleep schedule. Make an effort to go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning. Have your bedroom dark, turning off all electronics. Get regular exercise. Spoil yourself with linens, fragrances, a cup of chamomile tea, and sounds of soft rain or ocean waves lapping at the shore, to help you drift off.  

Taking care of yourself and your health is the first step to finding happiness in your life. Your body and mind will thank you for it, and you’ll have more time to do the things you love.

Join us at K Factor Coaching to begin your journey to health and wellness.