On the top 10 healthy habits for anyone ...

I recently held a workshop at my clinic and my local library to chat about the top habits that can promote good health (and thanks to all of you who responded to my survey!).  None of this is rocket science, but these behaviours go a really long way to keeping everyone in your family at their best.  It can be tricky sometimes to stay on top of making good lifestyle choices; for each of these habits, I encourage you to consider if you're doing well, or if you could use some work.  Consider how motivated you are to make a change - even a small one.  What's in your way?  How could you overcome whatever obstacles are preventing you from being at your best?  Start small - make one small, tangible and measurable change for the better and see how it feels!  Enjoy!  

1. Eat more fruits and veggies 

Increasing fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods increases fiber (critical for good digestive function), improves satiety (helpful for moderate caloric intake), increases anti-oxidants (necessary to reduce cell damage and aging), and offsets the consumption of less healthy options.  Aim for at least 7 servings of brightly-coloured fruits and veggies daily!
 
2. Drink more water (or herbal tea) 

Minor dehydration leads to sluggishness, brain fog, constipation and irritability.  Drinking more water (coffee, juice, pop and alcohol don’t count) boosts cognitive and physical performance, clears the mind, elevates energy, promotes detoxification and helps maintain a healthy weight.  Try keeping a refillable water bottle with you that you aim to drain at least twice per day.  Check out my recent post on the subject for more inspiration!
 
3. Get outside 

Time spent outside reduces stress, increases physical activity, and nourishes environmental stewardship.  It may also support our natural symbiosis with microorganisms, which is good for our immune systems - especially the kids’.  Aim for at least 30 minutes outside daily.  Check out David Suzuki's 30x30 Challenge!
 
4. Go to bed 

We all have different needs for sleep, but getting what our bodies need is important for stress management, immune system function, healthy body composition, mood and mental health.  Try to have a consistent bed- and wake-time, create an optimal sleep environment (dark, comfortable, quiet), and keep screens out of the bedroom!  Take a look at the recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation for your sweet spot!
 
5. Move your body 

Nothing is more critical to good health than physical activity.  From promoting healthy body composition, to encouraging detoxification and elimination, to improving cognitive function, it’s tough to do too much. Aim for 30-60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity (get your heartrate up, break a sweat) every day, and increase from there.  Check out the Canadian guidelines - how are you doing??
 
6. Detoxify your stuff 

We are swimming in sea of over 80,000 industry-made chemicals, many of which are known to be harmful to our bodies, and many more which have not even been tested for safety.  Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of environmental toxins.  Choosing alternatives to plastics (think food packaging and toys), fragranced personal-care items (visit www.ewg.org/skindeep/ for more), and industrial-strength cleaning products (vinegar and baking soda work miracles!), you’ll be giving your body an enormous break!  Once again, Suzuki for the win!
 
7. Create space for mindfulness  

In a world bombarded by social media, sensationalized news reports and high-paced schedules, a little bit of mindfulness goes a long way.  Purposefully paying attention to the present experience has myriad benefits to all facets of health.  Practice moving/eating/sitting/breathing mindfully every day until it becomes a more natural and automatic part of daily being.  Kids respond really well to this - try youtubing “mindfulness”, with or without “kids” and see what pops up!
 
8. Touch someone 

We all need physical contact.  We take it for granted in infants and children, but our need for touch doesn’t decrease as we get older.  Touch impacts our hormones and immune systems in important ways that are necessary for good health.  Hold hands.  Hug someone.  Caress a shoulder.  Go for a massage. 
 
9. Have a sense of purpose 

Purpose is one of the most important aspects of psychological well-being.  Stress is more tolerable when we feel there is a point to the task.  Feeling appreciated and like we are making a difference in the world actually bolsters the immune system and positively impacts mood.  Caring for children, volunteering, contributing to your community, and engaging in fulfilling paid work can all satisfy the need for purpose.  If you are lacking a sense of purpose, consider engaging in inventory of your values and attributes, and brainstorm how you are or could be sharing them with others. 
 
10. Be grateful 

Gratitude is one of the most impactful practices on happiness, stress management and well-being.  Overwhelmed with the pressures of work?  Be grateful you have a job that pays the bills.  Tired of the cold winter?  Be grateful you live in a country that is (generally) safe, democratic and … cold.  Seek opportunities to be (genuinely) thankful to shift your outlook and increase happiness and health.
 
And a bonus ... Be moderate 
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It’s possible to go to extremes on either end of the healthy behaviour spectrum.  Certainly there are some things that are just never a good idea, but some less-than-healthy behaviours are often balanced by the pleasure they bring.  On the flip side, exercise, extreme diets and environmentalism can be taken too far. Unless there are unique concerns, enjoy a glass of wine or a piece of cake mindfully and intentionally - savour the pleasure of the experience.  Creating space for some flexibility and compassion for yourself is important for a balanced existence.

Let me know how you're doing!