Did you know that 40% of our actions aren’t our choice? They’re habits! Our habits help decide what kind of lifestyle we live and how we look and feel. That’s why having healthy habits is so important. Everyone knows that eating fruits and veggies, exercising and getting enough sleep are healthy habits. But what if there are other small things you can do as well?
The following habits can improve your emotional and physical health. Some of them may surprise you!
1. Chewing Gum
Gum-lovers, you’re in luck. Chewing gum boosts your memory and reduces stress levels. Chewing gum while reading also improves alertness and decision-making. You can try chewing gum while doing homework to increase concentration.
Chewing gum boosts your memory and reduces stress levels.
2. Living With Animals
Having pets or even farm animals in your life can improve your physical and emotional health, according to professionals. Animals decrease loneliness, increase positivity, give you purpose, and help you to live in the present moment.
Having pets in your life can improve your physical and emotional health.
3. Not Washing Your Hair Every Day
If you have a particularly sweaty day or if your hair is very oily, wash it. Otherwise, it’s okay to skip a day. Over-washing your hair can actually do more harm than good—Your hair may lose too many of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
Over-washing your hair can actually do more harm than good
4. Chewing Your Food Well
This may seem weird, but excessively chewing your food before swallowing it is a good thing. Most people don’t chew their food enough. You’re supposed to chew at least 30 times before swallowing! This helps aid in the digestive process, making food easier to process. It may also help you avoid overeating because you’ll be taking the time to really enjoy your meal, and you’ll more easily recognize when you feel full.
Chewing your food well helps digestion and helps you to stop eating when you're full
5. Eating Foods High In Fat - Good Fat, That Is
You may have heard that low-fat foods are better for you, but that’s not necessarily true. Fat is not bad for you—if it’s the good kind. Eat healthy oils like olive oil, avocados and nuts.
Not all high-fat foods are unhealthy. One high-fat food that's good for you is the avocado.
6. Spending Time With Happy People
Surrounding yourself with positive, loving, energetic people can rub off on you. They can inspire you to want to be the best you can. And when you are your better self, you’re able to love more, making you a happier, healthier person.
Surrounding yourself with positive, loving, energetic people can rub off on you.
7. Bringing a Reusable Water Bottle With You Everywhere
Many people don’t drink enough water. Having it with you throughout the day makes it easier to remember. Being hydrated makes you feel better and prevents you from overdoing it on energy-sucking sugary drinks. Plus, when you go reusable instead of drinking out of a plastic disposable water bottle, you’re helping to keep our earth healthy, as well.
Carry a reusable water bottle. Being hydrated makes you feel better and prevents you from overdoing it on energy-sucking sugary drinks.
8. Being Kind
Helping others makes us feel good! Sure, we all need to focus on our own well-being, but stepping outside of ourselves can also make us happier. And being happy makes us emotionally healthier. Just knowing we’re making someone else’s day a little brighter can help us find emotional balance in our own lives.
Knowing we’re making someone else’s day a little brighter can help us find emotional balance in our own lives.
9. Spending Time In Nature
Being outside and moving around in natural daylight can work wonders for your mental and physical well-being. It’s an instant mood-lifter!
Being outside in nature is good for you--It's an instant mood lifter!
10. Doing Something Out Of Your Comfort Zone
When you feel comfortable, you feel safe. The problem with this is, you’re more likely to become bored and depressed. Breaking out of your comfort zone to try something new can be super scary, but it can also make you more confident and open up new, exciting possibilities for you. This can increase your happiness and well-being.
Breaking out of your comfort zone can open up new, exciting possibilities for you.
Share With Kidzworld
What do you think? Do you already do some of these things, and didn’t know they were good for you? Kidzworld wants to know!
