7 health habits that make life more satisfying

Do you ever feel you have too much stuff? Do you spend more time than you want dealing with clutter? Do you organize only to find you still don’t have enough room for your belongings?

If so, maybe you need to discard stuff, not organize it better. This process goes by different names- decluttering, simplifying, minimalism- with a goal of less stress, more peace, and more time to enjoy activities that truly give us pleasure and satisfaction.

Sometimes we need to simplify our life, and our daily habits. Do you ever feel you’ve been busy all day, and didn’t accomplish anything you really wanted to do? Maybe decluttering, simplifying, and changing our daily routine will create a more satisfying -and healthier- life.

7 Health Habits We Need

Here are some habits we often neglect or fail to prioritize, but medical professionals recognize as vital to optimal health and well-being. I’ve illustrated each with a link to an affiliate service or product that you might find helpful (and through which you can help support this blog), but feel free to develop your own ideas on how you can make these a consistent part of your life.

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.

Eating

We need to eat nutritious food- a whole food, plant-based diet with fresh vegetables and fruits, beans, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, dairy- anything that isn’t processed or full of unnecessary sugar or excessive fat.

Connection

We need to spend more time with our family and friends, keeping in touch physically and emotionally. Parents and children connect when they read together. Family vacations create connections through shared activities and memories. Children benefit when grandparents actively participate in their lives.

Visiting this local museum with my toddler grandson was a treat for both of us.

Giving

We need to cultivate generosity and give more, whether it’s our money, time, talent, or possessions. Every community offers ample opportunities to volunteer and serve others.

Physical activity

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

I keep track of my daily steps with a Fitbit device, and record workouts, mindfulness, and sleep. (affiliate link)

Mental activity

We can read, learn new skills or improve established ones,  start or resume a hobby like photography, learn another language, and maybe start a blog.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. They believe bookstores are essential to a healthy culture and they are dedicated to the common good. Bookshop.org donates a portion of every sale to independent bookstores.

Conversation

We need to communicate with other people often and authentically. Social media, phone calls, text, and email messages substitute when necessary, but they shouldn’t replace face-to-face time with others. Book clubs, hobby groups, classes, and church groups provide safe places to share ideas and learn from others.

exploring the HEART of healthy habits

Another healthy habit suggestion-follow this blog!

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Dr. Aletha