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Life can be so stressful, demanding, and frustrating at times. That’s why, I don’t know about you, but I will click on any article or video that tells me how to be happier and feel better. I think it is so important to begin taking time to invest in yourself, daily! Especially in your early 20’s when life is changing, you’re still growing, and you’re trying to navigate your world. I mean, if you don’t begin taking time to invest in yourself and your health and happiness, who else will? Investing in your happiness and health doesn’t have to be a major life change. I think we tend to forget about the little life hacks that make such a mighty difference! Small changes that you can easily add into your daily routine that won’t cause any added disruption or stress. If anything, they will do the complete opposite! So with that, here are 10 habits that will make you happier and healthier. Habits anyone can implement in their everyday life!

 

1. Set a regular night routine

 

We all know the importance of having a go-to morning routine that allows you to begin the day with intention and success. But do you put enough importance on your night routine as well? To me, a productive, stress-free morning routine is always based off of the prior night routine. With that, preparing and getting yourself ready for the next day ahead is an excellent way to plan while remaining present, intentional, and mindful. It also allows you to leisurely go about your morning routine without any added worries or troubles. Take time to go through your evening skincare ritual, go for a calming walk, do the dishes, set your clothes out for the morning, etc. Do whatever makes you feel productive and prepared for the day ahead tomorrow!

 

2. Apply SPF daily

 

 

SPF (sunscreen) is one of the best anti-aging things you can do for your skin! It is so important to wear SPF on a daily basis, even in the cooler months during fall and winter. Although UVB rays (what causes sunburn) are weaker in the fall and winter, UVA rays stay strong all year round. UVA rays are the ones that cause wrinkles, premature aging, and damage to the skin. In fact, the Earth’s ozone layer (which basically acts as our planet’s sunscreen- protecting us from harmful UV rays) is thinnest in the winter. Primarily between the months of December-March.

Many people don’t realize that or see the importance of SPF in the colder months, because you aren’t getting burned as quickly and you aren’t seeking shade as often. So, always remember to add SPF to your daily, healthy skincare routine, even in the fall and winter!

 

 

3. Make a list of your go-to healthy meals + grocery list

 

 

I love this tip, and I make sure to do it every Sunday evening before I go grocery shopping Monday morning! Take a moment to think back on some of your favorite healthy meals and make your own stay-at-home menu for the week! Which ones could you (& will you) make at home? What ingredients do they involve? The key to eating healthy and creating a sustainable, balanced and healthy diet is to make foods that you actually enjoy! So, think of the foods you love and write down a grocery list of all of the ingredients that you’ll need to make all of the healthy meals.

Personally, I love to keep a staple healthy grocery list in my purse at all times, just in case I don’t have time to create or look up new healthy recipes. On my list, I always have lean ground turkey (for tacos!), chicken breast, sweet potato, mixed veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, mini potatoes (to roast), and brown rice. Right there, I have several different one-pot meals that I can make!

P.S: If you haven’t signed up for my “Free 10 Day Wellness Challenge” definitely do so because I have a “Free Bonus Meal Prep + Healthy Grocery Guide” that you receive at the end of the 10-day challenge!!

 

4. Take a break from your phone 

 

 

Take time out of your day to unplug and get away from your phone. In fact, all technology for that matter! I know it can be hard to do this, especially with social media developing an intense fear of missing out in many us. However, like most healthy habits that are new, you want to begin small. When starting out, turn off all of your electronics and devices for at least one hour once a week.

You’ll be surprised at the positive difference it makes! In the meantime during that hour, let your mind wander free of online influence for a change. Try reading, meditating, walking your dog, going shopping with a friend. Let yourself be in a state of mindfulness and pay attention to your surroundings. You can choose to be alone or social. Whatever you do, just let yourself be.

Start making this a priority each week! And if you become routine to it, try taking a break from your phone for a certain length of time per day. Decide what the time will be and for how long. It can be in the morning after waking up, an hour before you go to bed, during your lunch break – whatever time works well for you. The discipline of learning when and how to shut down, and actually performing it, is essential to our overall health and happiness!

 

 

5. Embrace your sex life

 

 

Did you know that having passionate, satisfying sex two to three times a week can add as many as three years to your life?! Not to mention, sex can also burn an impressive amount of calories. Regular sex has also been found to lower blood pressure, boost immunity, improve sleeping habits, and improve your overall heart health. In fact, sex has also been shown to improve your self-esteem and body acceptance. Take it from this couple who had sex every day for a year!

 

6. Get moving

 

 

Make exercise, whether it’s only 30 minutes or an hour, part of your routine every single day. Daily exercise is one of the closest things we have to the fountain of youth. Exercise has been found to lower the risk of heart problems, boost your metabolism, and improve cognitive function. In fact, a recent study found that consistent high-intensity exercise (such as H.I.I.T cardio or running) can add up to 3 years of life expectancy!

To me, exercise should be enjoyable and exciting, not demanding or boring. I like to change up my daily exercises and do what is fun for me at that moment! It’s easy to demotivate ourselves when our mind keeps telling us that we have to burn “x” amount of calories, or we have to begin our day with fasted cardio. Forget the “rules” you have placed on fitness and just move that way that you want to and find exciting!

 

7. Define your personal style 

 

 

This can be anything really. Your design style, your brand style, your personality, your confidence, or just the way that you choose to live your life! As for clothing, knowing your personal style makes shopping and putting your outfits together easier and, ultimately, more fun! Knowing your style and what you like or prefer, your favorite way to pair your pieces, and what works well on your body, will help to simplify your daily routine and make getting-ready effortless.

Personally, I would describe my style as chic-street (think Meghan Markle 😉) but yours could be classy, preppy, or athletic! Of course, not everything you buy has to fall within the same exact category. But, knowing your personal style allows you to save time and focus on other areas of your life!

 

 

8. Splurge on experiences 

 

 

It’s easy to get caught up on the material items in life. The expensive cars, the latest style trends, the newest technology, etc. You may be thinking that these things will bring you happiness, and it will, but only for a short moment. The thrill and excitement that comes from purchasing stuff are short-lived. This is something that is very important to know, but especially in your 20’s!

Instead of spending your money on short-lived items, start saving and spending your money on experiences. The fulfillment and happiness that you receive are ongoing, and as they say, “travel is the only thing that makes you richer.” So with that, start being more intentional with how you are spending your money. Experiential purchases like a vacation with your partner, a road trip with your friends, skydiving, or even dinner out at a new restaurant you’ve been dying to try are all great experiences that will provide an elevated sense of well-being. Much more than material items!

 

 

9. Make sleep more important

 

 

Without enough, quality sleep it is impossible to be our best selves! As we all know, sleep is essential for our health, emotional well-being, and cognitive function. Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep, despite how much our society today steers us toward less sleep. You know, that whole, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” approach. If you are finding yourself fighting the urge to take a midday nap, or if you generally feel like your brain is in a fog, your body may be telling you that you need more rest at night.

Just like I mentioned in tip #1, it is so important to set a regular nighttime routine! But in addition to that night routine, make it a habit to resist late-night TV shows and scrolling through social media, and try making it a priority to go to bed early. Adequate amounts of sleep every single night is crucial if you want to avoid feeling irritable, less productivity, or unfocused. Not to mention, sleep aids in lowering anxiety and stress levels, and quality sleep even promotes healthy fat loss!

 

Related Posts: 9 Outstanding Ways You Can Achieve Quality Sleep Tonight 

10. Prioritize your happiness

 

 

It’s so easy to become wrapped up in making other people happy at the expense of our own happiness. Perhaps your friend is really wanting you to go out tonight, but you were anticipating a much needed night in to relax from the workday. It can be extremely hard to say no, trust me, I’ve been there numerous times! However, one of the biggest habits that will make you happier and healthier is to practice saying no and start prioritizing your needs and your happiness.

When start establishing boundaries with other people, you begin to respect yourself. Saying no, especially if you’re a fellow people pleaser, can take a lot of practice. Therefore, I recommend that you come up with a go-to ‘script’ before answering any “yes” or “no” questions. Tell people that you are busy and that you’ll check your schedule and get back to them. This buys you time to construct a more considered answer that is in line with your needs, wants, and happiness.

When responding “yes” or “no” to people, please remember that you, your happiness, your needs, and your desires matter! If your cup is empty, how are you going to be able to help and serve someone else? When you begin prioritizing your needs and taking care of yourself, your in much better shape to be of service to others!

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What are some healthy habits that are apart of your daily routine? 

Let me know in the comments!

xo, Cydney