Jessica Brewer, MSN, Personal Trainer

So, you want to start living healthier but you’re not sure where exactly to start, or you’ve already been exercising and eating healthy, but you feel like there’s more you could add to your wellness routine. Whatever the case is for you, these are my TOP 5 healthy habits to ensure optimal health and wellness. 1. I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but exercise lands the number one spot on this list. Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your mental and physical health, and every single person should be engaging in regular exercise. One of the many beautiful things about exercise is that there are SO many different options. Finding something you enjoy is the most important thing so that you’re not dreading each workout. 2. Meditation lands the number two spot on this list. Meditation is for the mind as exercise is for the body. Meditation is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, however, very few people practice it on a regular basis (or ever). When done regularly, meditation helps with stress reduction, memory function, focus, and sleep quality. It can also help reduce chronic pain, anxiety/overthinking, and depression, and can help to lower blood pressure. Check back next week for more on meditation. 3. We can’t talk about health without including nutrition. However, it is not necessary to be super strict with your food intake and only eat fruits, veggies, and protein. A healthy diet is a balanced diet. If 70-80% of your food intake is nutritious foods, it is also healthy to incorporate more “indulgent” foods/treats on a regular basis as well. Allowing yourself to have a treat (guilt-free) from time to time can help with overall enjoyment, quality of life, and adherence to a healthy lifestyle. 4. The last two items on this list have less to do with “external” health and more to do with “internal” health. First up is gratitude. Research has shown that when we live in a mindset of gratitude rather than in a mindset of lack or disappointment with life, our overall health improves, as does our satisfaction with our life as a whole. There are many different gratitude practices you can implement, but the basic premise is to simply acknowledge the things you are grateful for on a daily basis. 5. Last but definitely not least is joy.

Increasing joy in your life can have profound effects on your overall health. Your immune system is influenced by your mental state, so seeking out more joyful moments day-to-day can keep you strong and healthy. Increasing joy can also reduce stress, improve pain, and even help you live longer. Of course, there are MANY other habits that could be implemented for optimal wellness, such as deep breathing, journaling, nature exposure, and grounding. But the five habits discussed here are the ones I have seen the most benefit from, both personally and with clients as well. Start to implement these habits now, and in very little time, you’ll be able to see the positive effects!