21 Simple Health Habits Worth Getting Into

The  way we live is significantly linked to our health and well-being, and here's where our habits come to play. While planning your new year's resolutions and post-Christmas diet, remind yourself of some of the simplest and most natural things you can do to be a little healthier. Remember that getting into good daily habits now will be reflected positively on your health later on. So here are 21 refreshing tips you could use.

Whether you have trouble sleeping or not, the scent of lavender can work as aromatherapy, helping you sleep deeper and more peacefully.

Eating well is all about what you eat, as well as how you eat it. Instead of gorging on food in front of a computer or TV screen, find some time to make lunch time more peaceful and less rushed. Focusing on what you are eating may help tame the nasty habit of overeating.

Flossing your teeth will improve the health of your gums, the freshness of your breath, and the overall hygiene of your mouth. I bet you've heard it a hundred times before, but if you're still ignoring it, now's probably the best time to consider the advice. And did you know it has also been found to help prevent heart disease?

We spend a great deal of our days looking at screens. This may cause a strain on our eyes, especially if this is done for a long time. This rule says that we should take a 20 second break every 20 minutes by looking away from the screen into a distance of 20 ft (6 meters). 

The hustle and bustle of our days can sometimes drain our energy and leave us with no time for ourselves. But when you start to find time for meditation, and really appreciating the moment, you won't want to go back. This only demands 10 minutes of your day or less, but it will make a huge difference in many ways.

Having a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy for your bones and muscles, no matter how old you may be - so an occasional stretch here and there is almost necessary. And don't you worry - you don't have to be an experienced yogi to be able to stretch your limbs and find time for it.

If your office is too far away to get there on foot, you can still create a reason to use your legs a little more than usual. By getting off the bus or train one or two stops early, you will be able to enjoy some fresh morning air and reap the physical and psychological benefits that walking offers.

Herbal teas can be beneficial for several health-related matters, including energy, sleep, and digestion. Pick the ones you need the most and get into the habit of sipping on them instead of your morning coffee.

If  you've spent a whole day looking at a computer screen at work, do your body a favor and disconnect for some time, especially before you sleep.

Lack of sleep is one of the causes of stress-related symptoms. Avoid straining your body by giving it enough rest. And if you think you'll get carried away doing one of your late night chores, set an alarm to remind you of your much-needed bed time.

Pamper yourself with an exfoliating natural scrub made of only 2 ingredients - sea salt (or sugar) and olive oil. Learn how to make it here.

Are you aware of the way you are sitting at your desk at work? Make sure your computer is positioned the right distance away from your eyes and your table is of the perfect height. Take a look at this ergonomic guide to avoid developing posture problems in the future.

Why take the elevator when taking the stairs can serve as some quick physical activity? Prioritize the health of your body and circulation by opting for a little climb, especially if working at an office.

If you've found some time to cook a healthy meal, why not double the portion and leave some for the coming days? Pre-preparing healthy food from days before has been said to encourage you to eat healthier, as it saves you from having to prepare it every day.

Make the most out of the day's sunlight and the outside air by taking your lunch break outside, instead of staying in the same building for hours. Apart from giving your eyes and nose a break, you'll also be boosting your mood and increasing your productivity. 

If you know you're going to have a boozy weekend, say no to that extra glass of wine during your weekday dinner - this way you'll be planning your week in a decently balanced way.

This is where you should start from if you're looking to reduce your sugar intake. Put a little less sugar or sweetener each time you have tea or coffee and keep reducing it till you cut it off completely. 

Veggies are just as important as fruit are, and although we might not consume them in the same way, this smoothie provides an easy way to do so. Ensure your veggie intake by preparing some processed greens, including spinach, cucumber, chard, and kale  - and leave some for tomorrow!

Avoid consuming hidden salt, fat and sugar when buying ready-made bought meals and make your own instead. Cooking at home is both cheaper and healthier.

Stay hydrated throughout your day by keeping a water bottle on hand. Opt for the more durable glass or steel ones, rather than those made of plastic.