More good habits for a great September

Hands up if you ended the week feeling inspired, grateful and are ready for another beautiful week of healthy habits.

In last week’s column, we embarked on undertaking simple challenges of sorts for the month of September; daily healthy moves that can become habits that positively impact overall well-being: physical, mental and emotional.

The challenges began with seven steps the average person could begin to take immediately.

These were hitting the reset button, taking a walk outside, preparing a nutritious meal, moving the body, drinking more water, positive affirmations and meeting a step goal. They were simple but effective and I got quite a bit of feedback.

Last week, I personally managed 10,000 steps and 2 litres of water a day. I also did 4 gym sessions, cardio and fuelled my body with good food.

This week, I am determined to hit all my goals as well.

Here they are:

Journalling

I need to get my thoughts in order every day and I do that by writing. It helps me to focus on what matters in my life. Even when I’m not writing articles, I sit down and journal for myself. It has been an excellent tool in helping me become a better thinker and person.

Being present

So many of us are so focused on what the next thing is that we forget to enjoy the present moment. We’re always waiting until we achieve something else. “I will be happy then,” we think. This is one of my biggest pitfalls. I need to remind myself every single day that I should enjoy the now. Whenever you feel yourself succumbing to waiting for the future, find a trigger that brings you back to the present moment.

Going easy on alcohol

Drinking alcohol does not protect you from any infection.

In fact, abusing alcohol will deplete your immune system. Also, don’t forget that those alcohol calories can add up quickly. Alcohol should always be consumed in moderation.

Getting adequate sleep

There is a very strong connection between sleep quality and quantity and your immune system. You can keep your immune system functioning properly by getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Reducing screen time

Exercise can’t immunise you from your sedentary time. Even people who exercise regularly could be at increased risk for diabetes and heart disease and stroke if they spend lots of time sitting behind computers.

Practically speaking, you could consider taking breaks from sedentary time, such as walking around the office/room a couple of times in a day.