4 Daily Habits for a Healthier Lifestyle

After 26 years of excellent dental health, today I got the dreaded news that I have a cavity! A cavity! Though it is the tiniest beginning, I couldn't believe it! Apparently I was wearing my shock on my face because as the hygienist was explaining my x-rays to the doctor, she mentioned just how "bummed" I was...and she was right! I pride myself in taking pretty good care of my body, and even through I brush regularly, my 26 year old bodily defenses just made me that much more susceptible. I felt like I let my body down.

As I walked home from my appointment in a rather unhappy place, I was thinking to myself about my health overall and turned my negative thoughts into positive ones. I am in good physical health. I take care of my body and it takes care of me. And as I will strive to give more time and attention to my pearly whites, overall, I'm a fighting machine! And that lead to listing out the things I do every day that keep me in fighting shape. So today, I thought I would share a short list of my tried and true, nice and easy habits I use to keep myself running efficiently. Because no one is going to take care of your body but you, so it is important to establish these habits early and stick with them!

I Drink Water...a lot | Are you tired of hearing this one yet?? Because the good Lord knows that if someone else tells me to drink water, I may just drown myself in it. But I am tell you...the essential nature of water is like no other. It keeps my skin clearer, my body temperature regulated, feeling more full, eating less, and overall in a better mood. On a daily basis, I strive to drink roughly 2.5-3L of water every day. There are recommendations all over the place, but for myself, I've learned that 96oz of water is enough that I reap all of the benefits of being hydrated, without having to literally run to the bathroom every 45 minutes.

I Pay Attention to the Details | When it comes to physical health, listening to my body and paying close attention to what it's telling me has served me so well. I learned early on when playing sports and dealing with skincare issues, that your body will respond to what you do to it and by being attentive to that response, you will learn what you should and should not do to keep it running properly. A regular workout regiment keeps my physical and mental health in a positive place. Keeping my eyes off my phone for the last 30 minutes before I go to bed, promotes a better night's sleep. So I make a point to be kind to tomorrow's self and do the things to which my body response positively.

Speaking of Sleep... | I do it. Often and soundly. With deadlines, hectic schedules, travel and everything in between, it can be tough to get long, quality sleep. But for me, it is so important. I have made my bed and bedroom a place I want to spend hours and hours of my time and have made it a priority to get some shut eye. They call it "beauty rest" for a reason and I really try to get it where I can. Sleep is a time for your body to catch up, decompress, recover and repair. I know we praise ourselves for burning the midnight oil and running ourselves ragged to be able to shout that we are "hustling". But hustle right between your sheets because not only are you doing your body a favor, but you will also perform and deliver better when refreshed. If you can, take a nap in your car on your lunch hour to catch up. But find it where you can.

I Eat Breakfast. Every. Day. | Partly to stave off the hangry feeling and actions, but also jumpstart my metabolism, I eat breakfast every day. Sometimes that breakfast may come after fasted cardio, but I always take the time to eat breakfast. Preventing hunger keeps you sharp, diligent and on track in your other goals. It does not have to be a full Irish breakfast, but even some cottage cheese and mandarin oranges will serve me so well in conquering the day.

There are a few smaller habits I cannot live without (taking my makeup off EVERY night, for example), but those listed above are those I practice every single day. What are your lifestyle habits that keep your body running efficiently? Share with me your best daily habits for healthy living!

Love Loudly. Live Loudly.

Jenn