Top 5 Healthy Habits

I hope this message finds you well. Today, I wanted to share some personal insights into how I’ve been creating and maintaining healthy routines in my life.

Establishing new habits can be incredibly rewarding. By consistently practising a routine, we can build new neural pathways in our brains, making these habits feel almost effortless over time.

One of my latest routines is a mindful walk each morning, either to work or just a loop back home. This practice is flexible and adapts to my surroundings. Personally, I cherish these walks more when I’m in the countryside rather than in central London. The highlight of my day is being immersed in nature, where the sounds, smells, and sights help me stay present and mindful. It’s a refreshing way to start the day, awakening my senses and preparing me for what’s ahead.

Here are my top 5 healthy habit recommendations that help me reduce stress and create a balanced, well-being-focused lifestyle:

1. Evening Meditation: I find meditating before bed to be incredibly soothing. I turn off all screens an hour before sleep to wind down. My Apple Watch tracks my sleep, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my deep sleep since making this change. Watching thrillers before bed left me feeling groggy, but this simple tweak has led to a more restful night’s sleep.

2. Daily Walking: I aim to walk as much as possible, targeting 10,000 steps a day. My mindful morning walk is a crucial part of my routine, getting me in the right mindset for writing or starting my workday. Walking not only helps balance my hormones and improve sleep but also curbs my appetite. It’s a peaceful, productive start to the day, and I always choose routes that are naturally beautiful.

3. Gratitude and Intentions: Each morning, I write down five things I’m grateful for and five intentions for the day. This practice shifts my mindset positively, and I notice the difference on days I skip it. Reflecting on gratitude before bed is also beneficial. How we start our day can set the tone for everything that follows.

4. Caffeine and Hydration: I limit my caffeine intake to the mornings and drink herbal teas and water for the rest of the day. I aim for 2 litres of water daily, ensuring I stay hydrated without disrupting my sleep. Staying well-hydrated helps me manage my weight and keeps hunger at bay.

5. Intermittent Fasting: Recently, I started intermittent fasting to manage my weight. I eat breakfast around 10:30 AM and dinner between 5-6 PM, sometimes with a snack in between. This schedule has reduced my calorie intake, and after a couple of weeks, my body adjusted, and the cravings disappeared.

The result of these habits is a more energised, balanced, and inspired version of myself. My sleep has improved, I’ve lost weight, and I feel more creative and optimistic. Maintaining these routines has made a noticeable difference in my overall well-being.

Thank you for letting me share my journey with you. I hope some of these habits might inspire you to try something new in your own life.

Best regards,

Hayley