Like I’ve mentioned, I like resolutions, whether they come at the beginning, middle, or end of the year. This year, January 1st happened to coincide with a lot of little ideas I’ve been having, and for Christmas my awesome friend Cat gave me a list of some healthy habits to start doing this year, several of which I adopted.
I live a generally healthy lifestyle. But I know it can always be better. Here are five things I’m doing differently this year in an effort to up my game. These changes were easy to make, but even after a month they are noticeably paying off.
Warm Lemon Water Every Morning
I’ve been hearing about this for awhile and I finally jumped in. Yes, I have also read about the dark side (the potential damage to your teeth) so I’m proceeding with caution–but I really love it.
I used to have a bit of a tummyache in the morning when I first got up, something that started happening maybe six or seven years ago. Since I started this routine, I haven’t had that problem. Is there a connection? Maybe not, but I’m going to say yes. For me, anyway.
Dry Brushing
It’s an Ayurvedic technique that’s nothing new, but it has been gaining a lot of traction lately. It’s good for circulation, your lymphatic system, and exfoliation, and it feels really good! I do it first thing in the morning, and I genuinely look forward to it. My skin is softer and smoother.
They say…that dry brushing can also reduce cellulite. You can do your whole body in just a few minutes, or you can go spa-style and stretch it out to 20 or more. (Usually takes me about five.) I use this body brush
Yoga First Thing in the Morning
I’ve always done quite a bit of yoga (less when I was teaching a lot). Even last year I was doing it most days of the week, at whatever time felt right. This year, I’ve started doing it first thing in the morning (right after my dry brushing and lemon water). I used to not like early morning yoga because my body felt so stiff, but this has been absolutely wonderful. It sets a great tone for my entire day, and my body is feeling better than ever. By now, after a month of this, I’ve also noticed that I don’t feel as stiff in the morning. Not into yoga? That’s okay (for now…we’ll get you there)–try just stretching a bit when you wake up and see how it changes your day.
And check out these five yoga poses you can do while lying in bed, and these five gentle poses you can do right now.
Tongue Scraping
Ew. I know.
I was 23 before I finally got on the flossing bandwagon (after 18 years of my dentist insisting on it), but I admit there are hearty benefits to it, and I expect the same from this simple habit. Even if you brush your tongue, you can still benefit from scraping it afterward, as well. It’s an inexpensive little tool.
I have this tongue scraper
Coconut Oil as Moisturizer
I’ve been a coconut oil enthusiast for a while, and I’ve used it in cooking, baking, and oil pulling. Now, I’m using it on my skin, too. I’d noticed over the last few months that my face was not liking my moisturizer (after nearly two years of living in a humid climate and not needing it), so I made the switch to coconut oil. A little goes a long way, and it’s not very heavy, anyway. I just use it once a day, in the morning if I don’t need to wear makeup (which I usually don’t), or in the evening if I do. I also use it on the rest of my body after a shower. I like this coconut oil
Little healthy habits like these are easy to incorporate into your life.
You just have to be diligent about them until they become an actual habit, and then you’ll start noticing the difference. Maybe these changes aren’t up your alley; if that’s the case, what are a few simple things you could do TODAY and every day hereafter that might just change your life (and your health) for the better?