Some New Healthy Habits...

Welcome back to my blog! Today is all about healthy habits! I previously shared some new health tips, and today is similar to that. Except these are just some new habits I have incorporated into my daily routine. These each take up so little time, yet add so much quality to life! Read on to learn some healthy habits!

Stretching and Foam Rolling

We've all been told how good it is to stretch, but how often do we really take that to heart? In addition to just stretching, I have been foam rolling more consistently as well. I recently went to a massage therapist, and she reminded me how good it is for my body to foam roll, especially since I run so much. I am making the habit of spending 5-10 minutes doing a little stretching and/or foam rolling right before bed! It helps me to make habits stick if I have a consistent time I do whatever it is. I also like to mix up my stretching routine so I don't get bored! I have learned so many different stretches over my years of sports, so each night I just kind of pick and choose. A lot of my focus is on my hips and legs, as this is where I need to be stretched out the most. When I foam roll, I always ALWAYS roll my back, and then usually move onto glutes, hamstrings, calves, shins, quads, and then finally my IT band (the side of your thigh). This for me is a "complete" foam roll session, but sometimes I just roll out my back and a couple other muscle groups. Whether you exercise regularly or not, I would highly recommend incorporating just a little stretching into your day! Whether you touch your toes when you wake up, or go through a whole yoga session, stretching out your muscles, joints, and ligaments will promote a healthier, more flexible body.

Packing a Lunch the Night Before

This simple nighttime routine saves me so much stress in the morning! It takes me less than 10 minutes to prepare my lunch, and allows me to sleep in a little more every morning :) My lunches on weekdays are pretty simple anyways: spring mix and a protein (like chicken, turkey, beans, or salmon), a greek yogurt, and an apple (or sometimes other fruit when we have it). Sometimes I will also take a protein bar to have as a midmorning snack as well. It is also so much easier to make healthy food choices if you have time to prepare the meal! Instead of being tempted to grab a freezer meal as you're running out the door in the morning, you will already have a nutritious meal prepared that is just as easy to grab! I know some people swear by meal prepping for the whole week, but I like to have fresher meals so I just do it the night before. Try it out and see what works for you!

Flossing My Teeth

I admit it, I have not always been consistent with flossing my teeth; as a kid I just didn't see the purpose! But your oral health is so important and quite often overlooked. Did you know that if you have some of problem in your mouth, doctors won't even do surgery on you until your mouth is healthy again! That's how much your body is impacted by such a small and overlooked part. I personally have a hard time with regular floss, so I buy what I call "flossers," and it makes the job so much easier! I floss my teeth right after I brush my teeth at night, and it takes less than a minute! This short activity may save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, and you might even get a smile from your dentist!

Going to Bed Earlier

This has always, always been a struggle for me. I love sleeping in, but I have such a hard time going bed! I am a nighttime person, so I usually am more productive at night than during the day. I usually just don't like to stop doing stuff! However, I have learned more and more about how necessary getting enough sleep is, plus I don't like to be tired (who does though?). During sleep is when your body recharges and recovers- so this is so much more important if you exercise! You tear down your muscles in the gym, fuel them in the kitchen, and grow them in your bed; yes, muscle gains happen at night! Getting adequate sleep will also help with muscle soreness, and release the hormones that cause you to hold onto fat. Your cognitive function will also sky rocket if you get a good night's rest! You will be more alert, and so will your brain. I could go on and on, but I think these reasons are enough to catch more Z's each night!

Baking Healthy Snacks

This is something that I have found SO helpful! Especially when I don't have time or just don't want to cook, have healthy snacks prepared or baked have been a life-saver. If I have an egg muffin, DIY protein bars I made this weekend (I didn't take a picture, but here's the link to the recipe I used!), or even some Halo Top Ice-cream stashed in the freezer, I am almost guaranteed to make a healthier choice than regular ice-cream, cookies, or chips. There are literally millions of recipes on Pinterest, so check it out!

Thanks for reading these new healthy habits of mine! I don't follow these 100% of the time because I am only human, but implementing these have made my life so much better- physically, emotionally, and mentally. Try these tips out for yourself, or create your own healthy habits! Until next time,

Hannah