In the hustle and bustle of daily life, maintaining a balanced routine often feels like an impossible task. But never fear, because here I have created a simple guide to take you through just five healthy habits you need in your routine that you can easily and realistically incorporate that’s guaranteed to set you up for a great day.

Drink plenty of water

Before you say anything, no I am not telling you to drink 2L of water a day (unless you want to) every body is different and some people need more, some need less. However, we all know that proper hydration is the cornerstone of your overall health and is essential for your body to work properly! Plus, it’s so easy to include drinking more in your daily routine that it makes it a great starting point for anyone wanting to elevate their wellness routine.

How to Incorporate It:

Start your day with a glass of water, as soon as you wake up, even before your morning coffee. If you do this every morning, you’ll start as you mean to go on. Get a reusable water bottle and keep it with you throughout the day, you can get water bottles that have time markers on them so you can keep on top of how much you’re drinking throughout the day. Or try setting regular alarms on your phone so you’re sipping consistently.

Why you should drink more:

• It’ll improve your digestion and expel waste from your body
• You’ll have smoother skin texture and a clearer complexion
• Mental clarity and focus goes up
• You’ll get a boost in your metabolism
• Better joint health

No phone for the first 30 mins of the day

It’s no secret that we’re very attached to our phones. And let’s be honest, they have become such an integral part of our lives that sometimes hours can go by before you realise all you’ve done so far is scroll your way through TikTok (no shaming here – we’ve all done it.) So it is essential we establish boundaries to protect our mental health. Starting your day without your phone can really help set a positive and productive mindset for the day ahead, so is definitely included to the 5 healthy habits you need in your daily routine list!

How to Incorporate It:

Leave your phone outside the bedroom overnight to avoid the temptation of checking your socials as soon as you wake up. Replace the habit of checking your phone with something else, like reading a few pages of your favorite book, write in a journal, meditation, or even try some gentle yoga stretches instead.

Why you should put your phone away:

• Anxiety levels drop
• Productivity goes up
• Your mood will improve
• You’ll start sleeping better
• You’ll start to be more present when you’re around others

Read a few chapters of a book

Reading is the key to personal growth, and it’s also great when you need to switch off and relax. By putting a bit of time aside each day to read, you’ll stimulate your mind whilst finding comfort in the pages of your favorite book.

How to Incorporate It:

Set a specific time in your day to read, like on the train during your commute to and from work, before you go to bed, or on your lunch break. If you’re a WFH girly like me, you could try creating a cosy reading corner at home that’s super comfy and inviting.

The benefits of reading more:

• Expanded knowledge and vocabulary
• Greater understanding of different perspectives
• Stress levels go down
• Your memory will improve
• Creativity and productivity levels go up

Get outside

Getting outdoors and being around nature is a simple yet effective way to refresh your body and mind. Feeling natural light on your face and breathing in fresh air is a really effective way of improving your mood and can also give you a little energy boost.

How to Incorporate It:

Take a walk on your break at work or eat your lunch outside. Or if you WFH, try getting up 15 minutes earlier than you usually would and take a walk, listen to your favorite podcast on the way. You could try taking up a hobby or sport that involves being outdoors, like gardening or joining a running club

Why you should get fresh air every day:

• More oxygen intake for healthier lungs
• Anxiety and stress levels go down
• You’ll be in a better mood
• Production levels go up
• Boosted overall health

Some form of movement

Regular movement is an integral part of your overall physical and mental health, which is why its included as one of the 5 healthy habits you need in your daily routine. Whether you want to be an athlete or you’re just looking to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine, there are so many options to choose from.

How to Incorporate It:

Create a schedule for yourself. Get out of bed 20 minutes earlier and go for a walk, or even a light jog. Join a gym or sign up to classes and set yourself goals to reach to keep you motivated. Find exercise classes on YouTube that you enjoy – like dancing or yoga. Dedicate a space in your home for exercise and keep it set up, then you’ll be more likely use it regularly. Set yourself goals to keep the motivation going.

Why you should move more:

• Stress and anxiety levels go down
• You’ll feel physically fitter
• Better flexibility and mobility
• Big release of endorphins that will put you in great mood
• Productivity levels go up

Incorporating these five healthy habits into your daily routine might seem challenging at first, but with consistency, it’ll quickly go from something you have to talk yourself into, into something you can’t go without!

From the physical effects of drinking more water and doing regular movement, to the mental and emotional effect of disconnecting from your phone, reading more, and spending time outdoors, these habits are the stepping stones to your overall self-care and wellness.

Remember it’s not a destination but a journey, and by weaving these habits into your daily routine, you’ll cultivate a foundation for a healthier, happier, and more balanced you. So why wait! Take the first step today, and watch as these habits transform you into a healthier, happier you.