The habits that make us: Your power can take you anywhere

Habits are the building blocks that spark a journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life. It all begins with understanding your power has no limits. Welcome to The habits that make us series, where our team shares practical ways to build healthy habits for sleep, nutrition, exercise—and every aspect of life.

When you repeat small, mindful actions each day, you can achieve anything to put your mind to. Let’s explore.

What are habits?

Habits are the silent architects of your daily existence. They are the automatic behaviors that seamlessly weave through the fabric of your life, often without you giving them a second thought. They are the result of your brain's remarkable ability to form patterns in response to repeated actions. Habits are the unconscious rhythms of your life.

Now, let’s key in on healthy habits and how these positively contribute to your wellness.

Why are healthy habits good for us?

Simple, small choices you make every day can start you on a path to feeling your best, as well as significantly improving your overall quality of life. The journey to success is paved with daily actions. Embrace the process and the results will follow.

Improved health

Many of the most impactful healthy habits impact our physical health. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep and proper hydration are habits that can help prevent chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight and contribute to feeling your best each day.

Enhanced mental well-being

If you’ve never tried it before, daily mindfulness, meditation or journaling is proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Taking a short break to focus on your mind can be hugely beneficial to your mood. Set aside a few moments for yourself each day and try a short meditation or jot down some thoughts on a notepad. If you’re not sure where to start, there are many apps and social media videos that can set you up for success.

Increased productivity

Habits can streamline our daily tasks and increase our productivity. You’ll be amazed at how much time you can save by setting aside time and prioritizing healthy habits. A great example of this is meal prepping for the week ahead, which will encourage you to eat well and save you time cooking meals when you’re busy with work or social plans.

Consistency

We know it can be hard to stay on track with healthy choices but starting small breaks down long-term goals into bitesize, manageable daily activities. If you want to up your veggie intake, try adding a cup of spinach into a smoothie or grabbing an apple for a snack instead of a candy bar. Once you consistently have these healthy habits in place, you can build on them and achieve even more.

Long-term goals

Living well benefits us for years to come. Whether you’re adding an extra serving of fruit and vegetables to your dinner or parking further away from the grocery store to get your steps in, habits keep us moving forward steadily on our path to wellness. Remember, the power of daily habits lies in your commitment to them.

Personal growth

Healthy habits foster personal growth by pushing us outside our comfort zones. Engaging in new activities regularly, learning new skills and challenging ourselves contribute to a sense of accomplishment and self-improvement. For motivation, picture yourself in five years’ time, looking back on how far you’ve come.

It’s important to build a relationship with your primary care doctor, who can help you stay on track and encourage you in your health habits. Book an appointment today.

You’ve got this: Tips for creating and sustaining healthy habits

While there are many benefits of sticking to healthy habits, keeping on track of them can be challenging. Don't underestimate the transformative power of your daily actions. They are the stepping stones to your greatest achievements.

• Start small. Begin with small, manageable changes. Trying to overhaul your entire routine will be overwhelming. Instead, focus on starting just one or two habits at a time, such as getting outside for 10 minutes on a lunch break, which can easily be added to your routine.
• Set clear goals. Define specific, measurable goals for your habits. Whether it's walking 10,000 steps a day or reading for 30 minutes, being clear on your goals makes it easier to track your progress.
• Make it convenient. Set yourself up for success by making healthy habits easy to do. Prepare healthy snacks in advance or lay out your exercise clothes the night before, you’ll be more likely to continue the habit if you make it a seamless part of your day.
• Incorporate it into your daily life. Stay on track with your new habit by combining it with one you already have. For example, if you want to meditate each day, add it to your existing morning routine, such as right after brushing your teeth.
• Track your progress. Use journals, apps or calendars to track your habit streaks and make sure to celebrate milestones that you achieve.
• Be patient with yourself. Habits take time to become an unconscious part of our lives. Don't be discouraged by setbacks. Instead, practice some self-compassion and simply refocus on your goals.

Successfully introducing a new healthy habit in your life will boost your confidence and sense of self-belief. Trust that you’ll get there.

By consciously choosing and nurturing positive habits, your power is unstoppable. And with us cheering you on, there’s no limit to where it can take you. As your foundation for improved health, productivity and personal growth, embrace the power of healthy habits and watch as they transform your life, one routine at a time.

You’ve got this.