small changes, big results…

If you’re looking for some small changes you can start to make in order to feel better in every way, look no further!  I’m here to share some healthy habits you can start now to help you live a life you feel good about!  

Just a reminder that I’m not a healthcare professional, and you do not need to incorporate these habits into your life if you don’t want to!  Maybe they don’t work for you, or you just don’t like these suggestions… that’s completely fine!  There are many ways to live a healthy life, and the only person who knows what is best for you is YOU.  I’m just here to provide ideas and inspiration for you; feel free to take it or leave it. (: 

That being said, here are my top recommended healthy habits to start now!

drink more water

I’m not lying when I tell you… the more water I drink, the better I feel!  My head feels clearer, my body feels fresher… just DRINK. YOUR. WATER!

spend at least 15 minutes outside (preferably in the sun)

Vitamin D and fresh air can make a biiig difference, you guys.  Step outside and take in a few deep breaths, walk around, explore your surroundings.  And if you can, get some sunshine!  

daily solitude

I’ve recently started doing this, and it has already made such a huge impact on my overall mood and well-being.  My mind feels so much clearer after I spend some time in solitude, which lowers my stress, and therefore improves my mood.  And a happy Marissa = a good time. (;

How do you practice daily solitude?  My favorite way is to go on a solo walk outside without my phone.  No music, no conversation with someone else… just me walking around town, looking at all the gorgeous fall scenery.  

There are many other ways to practice solitude, though!  You could just spend some peaceful time alone in your room with no distractions – just you and your mind.  You could also find a nice, quiet place to sit outside and watch/listen to everything around you.  Basically, find some time to be by yourself and spend some time alone with your thoughts and surroundings.    

listen to music that makes you feel good

Turn on some jams and dance it out!  Sing your heart out if you must!  Just get those good-feelin’ juices flowin’!

eat when you’re hungry

Sounds simple enough, but I bet many of us don’t actually do this as much as we think we do.  Often, we’re too busy, too distracted, too tired to feel hungry.  We don’t check in with ourselves and ask our bodies what we need.  Or if we are feeling that stomach rumble, maybe we make ourselves wait until the next meal… until the next time we’re “allowed” to eat.  

I’m here to tell you… stop that.  Eat when you’re hungry!  Eat until you’re satisfied, and then eat again later.  It doesn’t matter what time it is, when the last time you ate was, how healthy your last bite of food was.  Your body knows what it’s doing; so if it says it’s hungry, FEED IT!

fill your stomach with foods that truly nourish you

Eat what makes your WHOLE body happy.  Some foods are more nourishing to the body, and others are more so for the mind and soul. (:

get quality rest

Not gonna lie, I am FEELING the effects of sleep deprivation right now.  And it’s not fun, as I’m sure you know from experience.  Quality rest can make such a difference in our moods, which affect basically everything else we do.  Sleep and rest is also amazing for us at the biological level, not just psychologically.  Try to aim for 7-8 hours a night, but take note of how you feel when you wake up and throughout the day, because we all have different needs. 

practice gratitude

If you’ve read a lot of my health and wellness blog posts, you might be tired of me saying this… but gratitude practice is a game-changer!!  Just taking some time out of your day to acknowledge all the things you’re grateful for really shifts your mood. (:

daily self-care

There are SO many things you can do to practice self-care everyday: take a relaxing bath, do your hair/nails/makeup, dress up in something that makes you feel confident, compliment yourself, write down all the best compliments people have given you… see?  There are tons of options for self-care, but the bottom line is to just do what makes YOU feel good. (:

tidy up

A clean space = a clear mind.  Make it a habit to put your things away every night before bed.  Pick up your clothes from the floor, make the bed every morning, keep your things organized.  I’ll admit, Nick and I have not been very good at this lately, but we’re workin’ on it. (;

take time away from screens

Something about staring at screens all day really drains me, so I like to take some time each day where I am not surrounded by blue light.  Whether that is when I’m working out, on my solitude walk, when I’m reading, or something else completely, it’s important that I have screen-less time throughout the day.  

I hope these healthy habits inspire you to start making some little changes to improve your quality of life.  It’s not easy to start or end a habit, but hard work is almost always worth it!  Get out there and go make yourself proud!  I’m proud of you. (: