I think all of us want to feel good every single day, but we often overlook the small habits that can make a big difference. According to the CDC, only one in ten adults eat enough fruits and vegetables a day. I’m probably one of those that don’t consume enough. This means a large percentage of us may not be getting the nutrients we need to maintain our overall well-being. At the same time, our modern lifestyles can lead to packed schedules, long hours in front of screens, and limited time for self-care.
Making small, intentional changes to your daily routine can help balance your lifestyle and make you feel a lot better, and the best part? These changes don’t require a major lifestyle overhaul! Simple habits like spending time outdoors and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can contribute to a greater sense of well-being and truly make a difference!
I’m sharing with you some small tweaks that can be easily incorporated into any schedule, helping you create a routine that supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I want you to feel better as much as I want myself to feel better, and I’ve learned it’s the small things that count.
Eat Balanced Meals for Lasting Energy
A well-balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support your daily energy and overall wellness. Each meal should include a mix of proteins, fibre-rich carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean proteins offer a variety of important nutrients. I personally don’t go too heavy on the carbohydrates as they can spike your blood sugar and lead to other health issues.
Meal planning can help ensure that your meals stay balanced throughout the day as well. Prepping ingredients ahead of time makes it easier to put together quick, nutritious meals. Adding a variety of colourful foods to your plate can help provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals as well.
Some of us choose to complement our routines with health-friendly supplements too. I do this! I take a good probiotic every single day, along with a digestive enzyme, vitamin D and a mix of different vitamins. I think these are super important if our diets aren’t as good as they could be. As an example, you can get supplements from USANA Health Sciences that are designed to support your overall well-being when taken alongside a nutrient-rich diet. While whole foods are the foundation of good nutrition, supplements can be a convenient way to ensure the body gets a variety of essential nutrients. Some of us just don’t absorb everything as well as others do.
Make Time for Movement Every Day
This is something I personally struggle with, but daily movement supports your flexibility and helps you maintain an active lifestyle. However, this doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or following a strict workout plan. We can’t all do this! Simple activities like stretching, walking, or dancing can be just as effective. Walking is what I do, as much as my body allows.
For those of us that sit for long hours, standing up and moving around every hour can help break up the day. Walking outside or doing light exercises at home can also be refreshing. Finding activities that are enjoyable, like yoga or a short jog, makes it easier to stick with a movement routine.
Incorporating movement into your daily life helps support your circulation and energy levels. Whether it’s a morning stretch or an evening walk, staying active can contribute to a greater sense of well-being. It also helps your muscles and your heart health, so it is super important and it does make you feel better.
Spend Time Outdoors and Get Natural Light
Spending time in natural light helps support your body’s internal clock, making it easier to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Sunlight exposure in the morning can help signal wakefulness, while evening light cues the body to prepare for rest. It’s pretty simple.
Something like a short walk outside can be ideal, especially for those of us that spend most of the day indoors, sitting near a window or stepping outside during breaks can provide so many benefits. I try to sit outside for 15 minutes if I am working inside all the time, and I’ve noticed that I do feel better when I absorb the sunlight. Fresh air and natural surroundings can also help you focus and relax. It’s a win, win.
Creating time for outdoor activities, like gardening or hiking, can be an enjoyable way to connect with nature. Whether it’s a morning stroll or a few minutes outside in the afternoon, adding this habit to your routine can contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Create a Relaxing Evening Routine
A structured evening routine helps signal the body that it’s time to wind down. Many of us use screens late at night, which can interfere with natural sleep patterns. I still do this, but am trying really hard to break it as reducing screen time before bed can help create a smoother transition to rest.
I’ve heard that relaxing activities like reading, stretching, or listening to calming music can support a restful night. For me, I get too absorbed in the book and stay up late, and music makes my brain more active. So I’m still trying to figure out good ways of winding down. Dim lighting and comfortable surroundings do make a difference though, and if you can, sticking to a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule helps maintain the body’s natural rhythm.
Making time for relaxation in the evening helps prepare you for the next day. Small changes, like setting aside time to unwind, can really help you create a routine that’s good for your mental health and physical health, keeping in line with your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
Stay Mindful and Present in Your Daily Activities
Many of us go through the day on autopilot, rushing from one task to the next without being fully present. Taking a few moments to slow down and focus on the present can bring you a sense of balance to your daily life. Simple practices like deep breathing, paying attention to surroundings, or fully engaging in conversations can make a difference.
I’m one of those people that does like to be fully present. I wont walk around on my phone, I will look up, I will admire the buildings and my surroundings, I will notice things, take things in, and I think I am much better for this. I naturally do it anyway, but I know a lot of people don’t.
Mindfulness doesn’t require a long meditation session. It can be as simple as savouring a meal, appreciating nature during a walk, or taking a break to breathe deeply. Staying aware of thoughts and surroundings can help create a greater sense of clarity and calm.
By practicing mindfulness, daily tasks become more intentional. Whether it’s drinking coffee, working, or spending time with loved ones, being fully engaged at the moment can lead to a more fulfilling routine. The day will pass you by all too quickly if you don’t, which reminds me of Adam Sandler in Click.
Keep Your Living and Workspaces Organised
A well-organised space can make everyday tasks feel easier, but I know this can be difficult. Clutter can create distractions, making it harder to focus and feel at ease, so taking a few minutes each day to tidy up can help maintain a more inviting and productive environment.
Simple habits like putting things back where they belong, cleaning up after meals, or organising workspaces can make a big impact. For those of us with busy schedules, setting aside a specific time for cleaning and decluttering can help keep things manageable. I fully understand how easy it is for things to get on top of you though, especially when you don’t feel very well.
An organised space isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating an environment that supports your daily activities without unnecessary distractions. Keeping only the essentials in sight and finding simple storage solutions can make it easier to maintain order without stress. Do little bits everyday and it will make a big impact! My mind always feels clearer when my space is tidy.
Stay Connected with Friends and Loved Ones
Maintaining strong relationships is an important part of a balanced lifestyle, so taking the time to connect with family and friends can provide you with a sense of support and belonging. Whether it’s a quick phone call, a shared meal, or a casual outing, small interactions can make a difference!
It’s easy to get caught up in your daily responsibilities, but making time for meaningful connections is just as important as other aspects of wellness. Scheduling regular meet-ups or simply reaching out with a message can help maintain your relationships, which is one of the most important things in life.
Being present in conversations and showing appreciation for others strengthens those connections too. Even with busy schedules, setting aside time for social interactions can bring you and them joy and create lasting memories. This is what life is about!
Living well isn’t about making drastic changes—it’s about small, intentional habits that create a balanced routine. Drinking enough water, staying active, eating nourishing meals, and getting quality rest all contribute to a lifestyle that supports your overall well-being.
Making time for mindfulness, keeping your spaces organised, and building a routine that fits your individual needs can bring a sense of structure to each and every day. Connecting with your loved ones and maintaining social relationships will add another layer of fulfillment too.
Wellness is a journey and every small step counts. By making these simple tweaks to your day, you can create a lifestyle that feels enjoyable and sustainable. It really is all about the simple things!
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