Original Content from Thread SG

While the term “healthy living” may typically bring to mind dieting and working out every day, all it really means is to find a balance. We can go on intense fad diets and do HIITs every day (good luck to your joints), but we’re just going to end up crashing in less than a month. The human body just isn’t made to sustain extreme dieting and strenuous physical activity.

Yes, less is more even when it comes to working out.

Healthy living, at least in the long term, is more about creating mindful habits — even ones that seem small — that lead to overall wellness, mentally and physically. Here are a few you can practise every day:

But First, Hydrate

We all know this, but drinking eight glasses of water a day is sometimes easier said than done.

One way to do this is by drinking a glass straight after waking up to get your system up and running for the day. On one hand, you’re replenishing the water you lost while asleep, and on the other you’re moving things along in your digestive tract.

You can also fill up two to three bottles of water (squeeze a little lemon for added benefits) for the day.

Get Moving

Movement doesn’t have to be some intense form of cardio that lasts for an hour for it to count. The important thing is simply to move your body, even if it’s just a half-hour walk or a slow-flow yoga class.

Don’t pressure yourself to make every workout brutally intense. Be present and listen to your body, and you will enjoy the benefits of being active. Some days, you may feel like kick-boxing, some days just stretching. Schedule in some time each day to get the blood pumping, but move in a way that is kind to you and your body.

Add Veggies to Every Meal

An easy way to bump up the amount of greens you eat a day is to include it at every meal, whenever possible. For instance, toss a couple handfuls of spinach into your breakfast smoothie or omelette, or have it as a snack with peanut butter or hummus. So instead of crunching on plain salad every day, you’re adding some extra good stuff to your regular meals!

Schedule in Some Happy Time

Often, we get too busy to think about self-care, and days can go by where we neglect to take some time for ourselves. Make it a priority to do something that makes you happy every day, even if it’s just a nice warm bath, a call to your BFF, or having a balanced breakfast — as long as they energise us and make us feel good inside. “Me time” is not selfish, and you shouldn’t feel selfish for indulging in it.

Clear Your Mind

Meditation may not be for everyone, but you don’t have to meditate to reap the benefits of letting your mind quiet down and training your brain to process your thoughts.

If sitting still isn’t your thing, try going for a long, slow swim or a walk instead. These activities can be therapeutic as they clear your mind and flush out all the thoughts ricocheting about in your head.

Sleep Away From Your Phone

Radiation aside, leaving your phone in another room helps remove the temptation to scroll through social media before going to bed, which has been proven to disrupt your sleep pattern thanks to the EMF (electromagnetic field) our phone emits.

Instead, you can go through your morning routine — drink some water, stretch — and pick up the phone only when you’re ready to start the day.

What is one thing you do every day that makes you healthier and happier? Share your tips in the comments below!