There is never just one magical key that unlocks the door to health and fitness. It takes the continuous repetition of several basic habits that are incorporated into our routines. In addition to the basic habits, to unlock your best self, there are 5 more habits for a healthier lifestyle.

Basic Habits

We know that to improve our wellness we need to be consistent with basic habits.  These choices pave the way to living a life centered around being fit and healthy.

• Prioritize sleep- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support physical and mental well-being.
• Stay hydrated- Drink plenty of water to support bodily functions and overall health. A good rule to follow is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. 
• Eat a balanced healthy diet- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, savor your food, and avoid distractions while eating. 
• Be active- move your body regularly and engage in physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes a week. Add strength training to your routine.
• Manage stress- find healthy ways to cope with stress: take deep breaths, connect with others, limit screen time, take a walk, spend time in nature.

More Habits

There are other areas that can be added to the list.  Think of a person training for marathon.  They are being healthy by staying active and eating a balanced diet.  However, after they put in the long miles needed for training, they reward themselves with large amounts of junk food and alcohol.  While these might sound good, they need to be consumed in moderation and not become part of their training routine. Listed below are five additional habits that are just as important as the basic ones above.

• Consume less salt and sugar-this can improve your health by reducing the risk of chronic disease, promote weight management and overall well-being.
• Avoid unhealthy fats- Unhealthy fats are those that can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and obesity. 
• Do not smoke-smoking not only negatively impacts your overall health but also increases your risk of cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness.
• Check your blood pressure regularly-it is an indicator of your overall health and cardiovascular well-being. High blood pressure is a factor in heart attacks and strokes.
• Limit alcohol-alcohol can lead to liver damage, heart problems and increase risk of some cancers.

Life is about the ability to make choices and to prioritize self-care and health.  Feel grateful that you can make these healthy choices.  When thinking of the five basic habits, remember there are 5 more habits for a healthier lifestyle.