updated October 29, 2025
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 the 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 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 to 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.
EAT PLANTS FEEL WHOLE-a book review
In this post I review Dr. George E. Guthrie’s book, “Eat Plants Feel Whole,” where he highlights the transformative power of a whole-food, plant-based diet in combating chronic diseases. Dr. Guthrie, a renowned family physician, emphasizes the addictive nature of processed foods and advocates for a shift towards plant-powered nutrition to improve overall health and…
Keep readingConnection
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.
A Visit to Wow! Children’s Museum
I talk about my visit to WOW! Children’s Museum dedicated to engaging children and families in creative learning experiences. This bright, colorful interactive museum is in Lafayette, Colorado, near Denver .
“We specialize in highly interactive programs for small groups that give each child an opportunity to explore art, science, and culture.”
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 exercise and fitness recommendations and guidelines from the National Institutes of Health
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 that financially supports local, independent bookstores.
We 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 others 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 offer safe spaces to share ideas and learn from one another.
How to Listen So People Will Talk-a book review
In this post I review the book “How to Listen So People Will Talk” by Becky Harling. She emphasizes the importance of listening in effective communication. The author, a certified John Maxwell speaker and coach, provides practical tips, including asking questions, showing empathy, and using body language. The book addresses listening through conflict and enhancing…
Keep readingSelf Evaluation
- Which of these habits do you need to cultivate?
- What will you gain by including _____ habit in your life? What will you lose if you don’t?
- What is your next step to getting there? How will you know you have arrived?
Come back to this post and leave a comment anytime.
Exploring the HEART of healthy habits
Another healthy habit suggestion-follow this blog!
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watercress words by Dr Aletha 