7 Healthy Habits to Start This Year

Habits account for just about half of our behaviors each day. In short, they dictate our lives. We all have habits we want to change and others we may need to adopt. If you are looking to establish habits that dramatically improve your health, then we have the right list for you.

Here are 7 habits that will kickstart your life and help you become a happy, healthier person this year.

1. Sleep Better

Sleep can improve memory, reduce stress, and help prevent illness. If you struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, here are a few tips that may help.

Stop drinking caffeine at least 6 hours before bed and alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime. Many people don't know that alcohol can reduce your REM sleep. REM sleep is important because it stimulates areas of your brain that are needed for learning as well as storing and retaining memories.

To develop a habit of better sleep, you will need to have a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help establish your routine. Don't omit the weekends! Try to keep a similar sleep schedule all week long. Sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy life. It's worth the effort to develop a great sleep schedule.

2. Eat Breakfast

Has your mother been telling you this for years? Well, she was right. Breakfast is important. Breakfast gets your metabolism going so you can burn calories throughout the day.

Make sure you consume the proper nutrients and vitamins to reap the benefits. Fiber will help you feel full, and protein will kick start your energy. As soon as you develop the habit of eating breakfast every morning, you will begin to see results.  

Breakfast helps with weight gain prevention, improves stamina, and can even help your skin. Don't rush your morning routine, make time for the most important meal of the day.

3. Challenge Yourself

Whether it is switching up your daily routine with a fun activity or learning a new language, challenging yourself is a great way to boost your confidence.

You can learn a new skill, go somewhere new, or find a hobby. Learning something new will help you grow as a person and become a better version of yourself.  

Make a list of exciting things you would like to do each week, month, or season. It is important to step out of your routine and do something you've never done before.

Be creative, find ways to challenge yourself this year!

4. Plan Your Meals

Isolator fitness talks A LOT about meal prep. The reason we love meal prep is because the benefits of preparing your food in advance are endless!

Meal prepping allows you to take control of the food you consume and is the fastest way to help you reach your nutritional goals. On top of establishing a healthy lifestyle, you save money by preparing your own food.

Another reason to love meal prep is that it is convenient, you can take your food with you on the go in an ISOBAG.

If you set any fitness goals this year, meal prepping should be a habit you start right away!

5. Clean Up Your Life

A cluttered space is a cluttered mind.

Get rid of unnecessary items in your life. Donate old clothes and things you don't need or use anymore. Clean and organize your house, office, and car.  Ask yourself if there are any frivolous things that take up your time. If you are constantly searching for your keys, make a designated spot to put them. If you spend time having to dust and organize things you never use, it may be time to evaluate the purpose of having it in your life. Remember, you don't have to wait until spring to clean.

Cleaning can be therapeutic, it gives you more time in the future, and allow you to focus on what matters in your life.

6. Drink More Water

Over half of your body is made up of water! You need to continually replenish your bodies water intake to ensure proper body temperature, digestion, organ function, and more!

A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water. The best way to make sure you consume water throughout the day is to prepare. Fill up an ISOJUG™ or water bottle in the morning with the amount of water you want to drink. Carry water with you wherever you go. If you aren't craving water regularly, try eating raw fruits and vegetables.

Remind yourself of the benefits, so you stick to this habit. Hydration can boost your skin health, improve joints, and increase performance during exercise.

7. Strength Train

Most New Year's Resolutions include "get in shape" or "lose weight" but did you know that strength is the foundation of it all. A tremendous benefit of strength training is that it makes your workout more effective. If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or hit your workout harder, then you need strength.

Don't start bench pressing weights that you crumble under. Begin slowly, and consistently add more weight as time goes on. As a beginner, you don't need any equipment. First, use your bodyweight for strength by doing pushups or squats. Then add on equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, and so on. Don't overdo it! It is always best to consult a professional to help you establish a safe strength training routine.

We are looking forward to seeing a stronger you!

A bit of Advice

It can be tough to maintain the high expectations set at the beginning of the year, you may feel the need to accomplish all your goals right away, but it is best to choose one goal or habit at a time. When you develop that habit then move on to the next one. By doing this systematically, you are more likely to achieve all your goals by the end of the year.

Are any of these habits ones you’d like to adopt? What are your goals for the year?