5 Healthy Habits You Can Start Today!

You may have heard the phrase “creature of habit” to describe the power and impact of our daily routines. But in today’s fast-paced world, how can we make health and happiness a priority? The answer is simple – with intention. In this article, we’ll explore 5 healthy habits you can implement now, to make prioritizing your health and happiness second nature in the years ahead. These healthy habits can help you to feel your best, so you can live your life to the fullest. With just a few smart changes to your daily routine, you can make caring for your physical and mental wellbeing a good habit.

1. Healthy Food and Hydration

Nourishing your system with wholesome foods and plenty of water is a great way to stay healthy and feel better every day. Loading up your plate with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables is key to making sure your body has everything it needs to move, play and rest. According to the Mayo Clinic, men should consume about 15.5 cups of fluids a day, and women should aim for about 11.5 cups. It’s good to keep in mind that about 20% of our daily fluid intake comes from food, and current dietary guidelines suggest that adults should consume 1.5-2 cups of fruits and 2-3 cups of vegetables each day. Start your day with a glass of water as a part of your morning routine.

2. Exercise and Intentional Movement

Our bodies were built to move, and research has shown that physical activity can have a positive impact on mood, energy, sleep quality, immunity and more. But often without noticing it, we miss opportunities to add more exercise to our day. Here are some habits you can implement to add movement into your daily routine:

• If you commute to an office job, try parking farther from the entrance and taking the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator.
• Invest in a standing desk if your office allows it, and take a break between meetings to walk around the block and enjoy a bit of outdoor exercise.
• Working from home? You can modify a standing desk setup by incorporating a treadmill, and participate in daily meetings while getting your steps in.

No matter how you spend your day, taking time to stretch in the mornings and at night can be a daily habit that can make all the difference in how we feel in-between.

3. Handwashing and Hygiene

The pandemic made many of us even more aware of the importance of keeping our hands as clean as possible throughout the day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best ways to keep you and your family as healthy as possible. Whenever you prepare or eat food, use the bathroom, blow your nose or do anything else that could get germs on your hands, it’s time to wash, lather, rinse and dry. How long should you wash? Probably longer than you think. Try humming the tune of “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice in a row to meet the recommended handwashing time.

4. Vaccines and Immune Support

Vaccines can keep you healthy by helping your immune system fight infections more effectively. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vaccinations can boost your immune response, helping your body to fight off illnesses by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight different types of viruses. We offer a wide range of vaccines, and we can administer up to 3 vaccinations during your appointment. You can get vaccinated at our pharmacy and The Little Clinic.

5. Mental Wellbeing

To encourage healthy stress management and mental wellness, it’s important to get a balance of activity and rest, beginning with 7 or more hours of restful sleep each night. Research has shown that well-rested people tend to get sick less often, maintain a healthy weight more easily and think more clearly. While sleep impacts your mood and stress levels, how you take care of yourself when you’re awake is important, too. One great example of mental self-care in action is establishing a daily meditation practice. The Mayo Clinic calls daily meditation a “fast, easy way to reduce stress,” and says that even just a few minutes of meditation are good medicine. You can also try journaling to help regulate your emotions and stress levels.

A Healthier You Starts Here

By incorporating these healthy habits into your daily routine, you can make taking care of yourself a natural part of your lifestyle. Plus, with the pharmacy and The Little Clinic right on site, your local Kroger store makes it easy for you to stay healthy all year-round. Check out our health hub or schedule a Telenutrition appointment, and start implementing these health habits today.

^{Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not meant to provide healthcare recommendations. Please see a healthcare provider.}