7 Healthy Habits to Start Your Day Strong

Adding healthy habits to your routine is an amazing way to start your day strong. You’ll likely find some new habits easy to implement while others fall by the wayside. But the most important thing is to take action and see what works for you – not to try for perfection.

Careers and kids add complexity to your day and limit your free time. And you may be thinking “I can’t handle one more thing…if I try to add one more thing we’ll fall apart.” I hear you and I empathize – I’ve been there. And I learned the hard way that if you don’t make the time and find those moments to squeeze in a bit of time for you, burnout may be in your future. Taking the time to care for yourself is an overlooked, but vital part of caring for your family.

Implementing the seven healthy habits that follow will improve your life. But you don’t need to tackle them all at once and there may be other habits that fit your lifestyle better. Spend a moment thinking about what resonates most with you and gets you excited. Then take one small action today to start building a life you love.

1. Drink a Glass of Water

Staying hydrated is hugely important to your health. Water helps keep your temperature regulated, protects your joints, and boost skin health. You can start your day off on the right foot by rehydrating when you wake.

2. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

How you start your day sets the tone for the rest of your day. Making the time to eat a breakfast rich in fiber and protein will keep you full and energized for the work ahead. Have easy options on hand for the days when time is tight or your kids are feeling clingy, but make sure you eat a healthy breakfast.

3. Take a Moment to Plan Your Day

Taking a few moments to plan your day can dramatically increase your productivity. Having a general framework for your day and knowing your most important tasks increases the likelihood you’ll complete them and reduces decision fatigue. Setting the tone for your day by implementing healthy habits first thing impacts how the rest of your day unfolds.

4. Build Meditation Into Your Routine

I know, I know. You’ve heard it a thousand times, but it sounds a bit too out there and you just don’t have the time. After a decade of resistance, I finally gave meditation a chance, and I’m a convert. Taking a few minutes to quite your mind helps reduce stress and anxiety and can improve your sleep. I’ve been using the Insight Timer app and I swear it’s been a life changer. Finding a few minutes to slow down increases my productivity, calms me when stressed, and provides greater clarity.

5. Schedule Exercise

No matter how short on time you are, physical activity is too important to miss. Maybe you can’t spend an hour at the gym, but there are a ton of ways to get your body moving. Think through how you can build more activity into each day. Can you squeeze in an early morning walk? Park farther away from the store when running errands? Do a few yoga poses? Or schedule an afternoon dance break with your kids? Being intentional about incorporating movement into your day is a healthy habit worth implementing.

6. Connect with Your Family

Building in a few moments to truly connect with your spouse or children is a great way to start the day strong. It’s also one of the most rewarding healthy habits. Take a moment to eat breakfast together, read a story, or go for a brief walk. Maintaining strong relationships is a key part of self-care and an incredible gift for your children. Slowing down in the morning will help you all start the day strong.

7. Practice Gratitude

Whether you keep a gratitude journal, say grace before meals, or make a point of giving daily compliments, gratitude positively impacts your happiness and overall well-being. Reminding yourself of the things you are grateful for highlights the positives in your life and gets your day off to a stronger start.