We all know people who seem to stay well most of the time. While genes and circumstances play a part, everyday habits can make a real difference to how we feel.
Here are five simple habits that support good health.
1. Get enough sleep
Sleep is when your body and mind rest and recover. Most adults feel best with around seven to nine hours a night. A regular bedtime, a dark room and some time away from screens before bed can help.
2. Eat plenty of fresh food
Fill your plate with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Fresh, simple foods nourish your body. There’s no need for a perfect diet; small improvements count.
3. Take quiet time
Meditation, prayer or a few minutes of quiet breathing can help you feel calmer and more focused. Even five minutes a day can be a welcome pause.
4. Move your body
Regular movement, like walking, dancing, gardening or yoga, supports your body and lifts your mood. Find something you enjoy so it feels like a pleasure, not a chore.
5. Look after your outlook
A hopeful, kind attitude can make daily life feel lighter. This doesn’t mean being positive all the time. It means being gentle with yourself, noticing the good and letting difficult feelings pass through.
Start small
You don’t need to master all five habits at once. Choose one, practise it until it feels natural, then add another. And be kind to yourself on days when life gets in the way.
How little is enough
Pick one habit from this list and practise it every day this week.
For more, read 12 mindfulness exercises to start using daily.
If you’d like to keep going with this, you’ll find a few gentle guides on the Guides page.