5 habits to kickstart a healthy routine
September is that time of year where I get that ‘back to school’ feeling, making it a great time to reset habits.
In the past, I’ve fallen victim to setting some rather lofty, unachievable ambitions that I truly believed I could turn into new habits. This has included: starting the day with meditation, affirmations, yoga; going to the gym a certain number of times a week; resisting all forms of chocolate.
While it’s great to be ambitious, if unrealistic, the sense of failure from not meeting your expectations can feed a ‘F*** it’ mentality, leading to a downward spiral. I’m sure I’m not alone in experiencing this…
So I thought I’d put together some SMART micro-habits to inspire you to give it a go.
Leave your floss by your toothbrush
Did you know that good oral health is linked to overall well-being? Periodontal disease (often characterised by bleeding gums) can have body-wide effects including increased risk of heart disease, dementia and diabetes. It also increases the average time a couple take to conceive by 2 months! By leaving your floss next to your toothbrush, you’ll start to associate brushing your teeth with remembering to floss - a great example of ‘habit stacking’.
Keep your Vitamin D supplement next to the kettle
Vitamin D is essential for immune health, bone strength, and mood regulation, especially during the shorter, darker days of autumn and winter. However, many of us forget to take it consistently. By placing our supplements next to the kettle, we’re associating the habit with your daily tea or coffee, making it easier to stick to. If you’re not sure which brand or dose is right for you, send me a message through the ‘Contact’ page and I’ll be more than happy to send you some recommendations.
Drink a glass of water before your morning coffee
This one is simple but effective. Hydration first thing in the morning helps wake us up and kick-starts our metabolism. It’s easy to forget in the rush of the morning, so leave a glass of water on your bedside table or by the sink. You’ll soon associate waking up with hydrating first. Plus, it’s a tiny habit that can have a huge impact on your energy levels and focus.
Add protein to every meal (especially breakfast)
Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you full longer. Instead of unrealistically overhauling our diets overnight, start by adding a protein source to each meal — be it eggs, nuts, seeds, greek yogurt, tofu, fish or meat. A sprinkle of chia seeds on your breakfast, a handful of almonds mid-morning, or an extra spoonful of beans in your salad are small but impactful ways to boost your intake. I’ve noticed that breakfast is the meal most people struggle with most, so try to be even more conscious first-thing - put a post-it on the fridge to remind you?
Where can you get help?
If you would like support with your diet and resetting those habits, please get in touch. Use the link below to arrange a free call where we can get to know each other so I can understand where you are in your journey and we can chat about the best route forward for you. It’s also a chance for you to ask any questions about working with me.
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