Move over, New Year, New Me. We endorse (read: highly encourage) a mid-year refresh. In fact, there’s no better time to take small, impactful steps toward a healthier, happier you. After all, today’s habits are tomorrow’s health. And good news! These habits are as budget-friendly (or free) as they come. With that in mind, we’re exploring five practical yet essential practices that will transform your life. If you’ve ever wondered how to have a good day—consistently—hit scroll.
P.S. Circumstances will never be perfect. Rather than wait for that golden moment to change your habits, just choose something (small or significant!) to implement today. Before you know it, you’ll have transformed your well-being. Cheers to seizing July’s momentum.
At Camille Styles, we love our daily habits. There’s no denying their profound impact on our lives. They’ve calmed our minds, improved our creative flow, made us more resilient, and helped us pause in the midst of our busy schedules. But what is it about habits that make them so powerful? For starters, they shape our future. Our rituals create the foundation for long-term well-being. Plus, when we consistently practice positive behaviors, we train our bodies to operate more efficiently and effectively.
These habits—be it regular exercise, mindful eating, or consistent sleep patterns—have a remarkable ripple effect. They translate into everything from improved physical health to emotional stability. Moreover, their discipline and structure help us navigate challenges with resilience. Eventually, these daily actions lead to dramatic transformations. Without a doubt, they enhance our overall quality of life! And the research proves it.
We all know good habits reap countless rewards. But if you’ve veered off track, committing (back) to them can feel like climbing Mount Everest. We get it. If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of getting into routine—or for that matter, starting a new one—here’s where to begin.
When it comes to getting back into routine, one of the most effective ways to do this is via habit stacking. It’s a game-changer. Habit stacking is a powerful technique where you build new habits by linking them to existing ones. In turn, creating a chain of positive actions. This method leverages the momentum of your established routines. And this helps you integrate new behaviors more seamlessly. For instance, if you already have a habit of brewing coffee every morning, you can stack a new habit, like breathwork, with it. Or before you take your first bite of dinner, express gratitude for one thing that happened earlier that day.
If you’re skeptical, hear us out. Habit stacking works because it makes it easier to adopt new behaviors. In essence, it reduces the mental effort required to build new habits—which, as mentioned, can feel taxing. However, by associating new habits with familiar cues, habit stacking requires less cognitive strain. It’s easier to remember whatever new habit you’re implementing! As you consistently perform these actions, positive change is inevitable.
Before we dive into habits that support your well-being, what habits aren’t serving you? Of course, this looks different for all of us (we each have our vices). But generally speaking, habits to ditch include the following:
Once you recognize behaviors that aren’t serving you, you can begin breaking unhealthy patterns (by replacing them with feel-good habits). Elevate your well-being with the following daily practices. Spoiler alert: these all reduce inflammation, fuel proper digestion, improve your self-worth, and so much more.
If you’re like me, you love the sensation of warm sun on your skin. I crave it—particularly in the middle of a Colorado winter.
The Benefits: Sunlight is a powerful, natural source of energy and vitality. We need it! Spending time in the sun is a mood-booster, enhances vitamin D levels, balances blood sugar, and regulates your circadian rhythm. It’s key for feeling more alert during the day and encouraging better sleep at night.
How to Implement: Aim to spend at least 15-30 minutes outside each day, preferably in the morning. Whether it’s a walk in the park, sitting on your balcony, or simply opening a window to let the light in, finding small ways to embrace sunlight can make a big difference.
Movement is essential for maintaining physical health, hormone balance, and stable blood sugar levels. To keep your body active and engaged, incorporate more standing and walking into your daily routine!
The Benefits: Frequent movement improves posture, increases energy levels, and enhances your overall physical well-being. It also supports mental clarity and reduces the risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Plus, it’s the secret sauce to mitigating the afternoon slump.
How to Implement: Set a reminder to stand up and move every hour. Take short walks during breaks, use a standing desk (or better yet, a treadmill desk!), or have a post-dinner dance party in your living room.
Quality sleep is the foundation of a good day. Practicing good sleep hygiene—such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulants before bed—can drastically improve your sleep quality.
The Benefits: Good sleep enhances cognitive function, mood, and overall physical health. It allows your body to repair and rejuvenate, leading to more energy and productivity during the day.
How to Implement: Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as reading a book or practicing meditation, to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
It’s not secret that consuming whole, natural foods nourishes your body with essential nutrients and helps maintain optimal health. In essence, minimally processed foods are those that are as close to their natural state as possible. These include avocados, sweet potatoes, eggs, almonds, herbs, beans, etc.
The Benefits: Eating natural and organic foods improves everything from digestion to longevity. It’s also the catalyst for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing inflammation, and providing the nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Aim to choose organic options when your budget allows.
How to Implement: First and foremost, stick to the perimeter of the grocery store. That’s where you’ll find fewer processed foods (and more produce). Second, read labels. If you do buy packaged items, look for products with a short list of recognizable ingredients. Ultimately, simple swaps, like opting for fresh produce (a banana and a handful of walnuts) over processed snacks, can make a big difference.
Pro tip: as you transition to eating more whole ingredients and fewer ultra-processed foods, make sure to salt your meals appropriately! Your new meals may taste bland(er) because your palate is used to high sodium in most processed foods.
Last but not least (but an easy one to neglect): your mental health. It’s crucial for a balanced, happy life. Fortunately, a few minutes go a long way. Practices like meditation, breathwork, and listening to empowering podcasts help manage stress, improve focus, and foster a positive mindset.
The Benefits: Prioritizing mental health enhances emotional resilience, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of inner peace. All things we love! Additionally, these practices can improve your overall mental clarity and help you navigate daily challenges with greater ease.
How to Implement: Dedicate a few minutes each day to mental health practices. Start your morning with a brief meditation session, incorporate deep breathing exercises before you hop onto a Zoom call, or listen to a motivational podcast during your commute. Find what works best for you and make it a daily habit.
Implementing these five habits will transform your day-to-day life. Trust. They’ll help you feel more energized, focused, and balanced. With habit stacking in mind, start with one practice and gradually incorporate the others. Remember, consistency is key. By making these habits a part of your daily routine, you’ll set the foundation for a healthier and happier you.
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