One-off things that you do like an occasional detox or running an annual marathon aren’t going to impact your overall health all that much. It’s the things that you do on a regular basis that can significantly boost your health and energy levels. Here are six simple habits that can go a long way in keeping you healthy and happy.

Drink lemon water first thing in the morning
When life gives you lemons, make lemon water and start your day right. Lemon, a rich source of vitamin C, not only boasts antibacterial and antiviral properties, it’s a powerful antioxidant too and hence slows down the aging process. On top of all that, it also supports the digestive system and aids weight loss. Lemons have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body which, combined with its iron enhancing properties, is perfect to keep your body safe from potential health dangers.

Stretch your body, even if you can’t do a full workout
You don’t have to stretch for an hour – you can simply improve your flexibility by moving your body in different ways for a few minutes every day. By adding a few stretches to your daily routine, you will increase your joint flexibility, which will reduce your risk of injury. Moreover, you will get an instant boost of energy due to the influx of oxygenated blood sent to your muscles and brain. There are many short workout videos on YouTube to help you exercise if you don’t know where and how to start. We recommend Lucy Wyndham-Read’s seven minute workout videos. 

Pack your own lunch
Preparing your own lunch and snacks for the office, school, or travels is a good way to eat on the go. Not only will you save money, but you will also avoid excess sodium, sugar, fat, and chemical preservatives in meals at fast food restaurants. Cooking and packing your own food gives you much greater control of what goes into it. You can make healthy ingredient swaps if you care to and you can also control portion sizes and the freshness of the ingredients.

Floss every day
Not only is this good for oral hygiene but studies have found that it might help keep your arteries healthy. A New York University study showed that daily flossing reduced the amount of gum-disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is thought to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, a major risk factor for heart disease. Other research has shown that those who have high amounts of bacteria in their mouth are more likely to have thickening in their arteries, another sign of heart disease. So make sure you floss at least twice a day for good oral and heart health. 

Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables 
Many of us know this tip, but few of us follow it. When you plan your menu, add lots of salads, stews, soups, raw vegetables, purees, sautés, fresh fruit and smoothies. Fruits and veggies are packed with nutrients, low in calories, and affordable. Your micronutrients play a pivotal role in your creativity, productivity, general outlook in life, and energy levels. Also, this is a very good way to cut down calories and still feel full if you are trying to lose weight. 

Get enough quality sleep
Sometimes we overlook the importance of getting enough sleep. After all, if we’re eating right, working out and avoiding bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking, does it really matter if we are getting the recommended eight hours of sleep a night? However, sleep plays a vital role in our health and well-being. Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for both mental and physical health. Sleep is key to brain function – it affects how well you learn, work, think, react and get along with others. Sleep deficiency raises your risk of facing chronic health problems.

 
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