7 health habits we all need

Decluttering and simplifying our lives may reduce stress and increase satisfaction. While minimizing material possessions is vital, we should also focus on cultivating essential habits: prioritizing sleep, nutritious food, meaningful connections, generosity, physical and mental activity, and genuine communication.

male and female athletes drinking bottled water
updated September 28, 2025

Articles, blog posts, and social media messages suggest we have too much stuff and that our lives would be better with less stuff. This philosophy goes by different names- decluttering, simplifying, minimalism.

These idea promise less stress, more peace, and more time to enjoy activities that give us pleasure and satisfaction.

I could not agree more and am trying to apply the idea to my life and home. But there are some things we need more of.

We need habits that promote renewal, energy, fitness, and wellbeing. By decluttering, simplifying, and changing our priorities, we will have more time to develop them.

 

SLEEP

Too many of us treat sleep like a luxury or a waste of time rather than as the necessity that it is. Some of us need more quality sleep; many people are chronically tired due to undiagnosed sleep disorders  such as obstructive sleep apnea which aren’t recognized without medical evaluation.

FOOD

We need  to eat more nutritious food- fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, dairy- anything that isn’t processed or full of unnecessary sugar or excessive fat.

Eat a variety of fresh foods every day
Eat a variety of fresh foods every day

 

vending machine with junk food
And eat less of these, if at all.

 

CONNECTION

We need to spend more time with our family and friends, keeping in touch physically and emotionally.

family playing a card game
We had fun learning a new board game, a favorite family activity.

 

GENEROSITY

We need to cultivate generosity and give more, whether it’s of our money, time, talent or possessions.

Contact the veterans' crisis line for help.

 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

We need to move often , including sports, exercise, chores, walking, even just standing up more than we sit. Here are guidelines recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Man climbing up a rock wall
Rock climbing may be too extreme for you, but we can all find something we can do and enjoy.

 

 

MENTAL ACTIVITY

We need to read, learn new skills,  start or resume a hobby, learn another language, maybe even start a blog. You might even want to read about health; here are some suggestions.

statue of boy reading a book
Children and adults can develop a reading habit.

 

 

CONVERSATION

We need authentic communication with other people.

Social media, phone calls, text and email messages substitute when necessary, but they don’t replace face-to-face time with others.

 

 

 

 Which habits do you need more of?

Which of these resonates with you?

What will you need to change to make room for any of these in your life?

What will you gain if you have more of it in your life?

How will you get started?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring the HEART of Health

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.

2 thoughts on “7 health habits we all need”

  1. Hi Dr. Oglesby! I truly appreciate u mentioning and sharing my blogpost! I look fwd to catching up and following your posts. It’s always nice to meet other physician bloggers who have special interest in a more holistic way of practicing medicine 🙂

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