Healthy habits are not as common as people think—we probably all have room to improve! Though many of us have a stressful, demanding schedule, we can develop habits that will help us live healthier and more productive lives, and it only takes a few small tweaks.
The sad truth is that in the pursuit of success, many people find the easy way out, and take shortcuts where their health is concerned. Those shortcuts ultimately leave us suffering from various ailments that we could have avoided with better habits.
Check out these seven healthy habits that you can add to your daily routine! Each habit is advantageous to your health, without requiring a lot of money or time.
#1 Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for its healing properties for centuries. It is an anti-inflammatory spice, meaning it’s great for joint and muscle pain. It can also aid with clearing your skin, improving your memory, and helping you sleep!
Turmeric has incredible versatility, too. If you’re craving something warm on a chilly day, you can add it to hot water or milk. There are also many recipes that call for turmeric. You can sprinkle it on roasted veggies, and add it to hummus, smoothies, and soups.
If you are not using it already, we highly encourage you to start! Dried, ground and fresh forms of turmeric are available in most grocery stores.
#2 Lemon Water
It’s important to drink plenty of water on a daily basis, and adding a little bit of citrus yum takes it to the next level. Infusing your water with lemon slices or lemon juice aids digestion, boosts your immune system so you can better ward off cold and flu bugs, and helps keep your skin clear.
Lemon water is a nice way to wake you up in the morning, too! Squeeze a lemon (ideally fresh and organic!) directly into hot or cold water, and that’s it! Try to drink it before eating, as it can also boost your metabolism.
#3 Bone Broth
Although bone broth might sound gross, it carries a lot of nutritional elements! Although this nutritional powerhouse has been around for centuries, bone broth has skyrocketed in popularity in the last couple of years—and for good reason.
Bone broth is made by simmering the bones of leftover meat (my favorite is chicken, but beef and pork are great too!) and vegetables long and slow to extract every last bit of minerals, nutrients, gelatin, and collagen from the bones.
Bone broth is excellent for your own bones and joints, and aids in growing hair and nails! It is also great for helping to improve your sleep.
You can use bone broth as a traditional stock or broth in a soup simply by warming it up on the stove and adding in fresh herbs, Himalayan pink salt, turmeric, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and plenty of black pepper.
#4 Collagen
Consuming high-quality collagen every day can help strengthen your skin and increase its elasticity, helping you look more youthful and radiant. Collagen has also been shown to help your hair grow thicker and healthier!
Collagen peptides are a great source of protein, making it an ideal addition to a smoothie, like Jennifer Aniston does every day. It has no flavor, so it won’t change the taste or consistency of whatever you add it to. Collagen is the ultimate beauty secret weapon!
#5 Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used to create a cozy atmosphere, and the aromas of certain oils can have a calming or energizing effect. It’s amazing how well they work!
Buying an oil diffuser is a little more costly upfront, but totally worth it in the long haul. All you have to do is add some filtered water and a few drops of oil.
If you’re in the mood for something calming and relaxing, go with warm and floral scents like cinnamon, chamomile, or lavender. Diffused oils like orange, grapefruit, and peppermint can keep you alert and focused—perfect for those busy days working from home.
#6 Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another amazingly versatile health tool. Apple cider vinegar, like lemon water, is great for clearing your skin, boosting your immune system, supporting digestion, and it can aid in weight loss. (Just be sure you don’t have too much in one sitting, as it can upset your stomach!)
You can integrate apple cider vinegar into your daily routine in many ways—this is a great multipurpose tool. It can be used in many recipes, and it’s even helpful if you have a sore throat! Try adding it to a shot of juice, like pineapple or orange, along with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Make sure you buy organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. This type contains the “mother,” meaning it is full of probiotics that offer so many health benefits.
#7 Garlic
Garlic is a member of the allium family, making it a close relative of shallots, leeks, and onions. In modern times, it has most commonly been used as a cooking ingredient; however, throughout ancient history, it was known for its medicinal properties.
When you eat garlic, your arteries and veins actually widen, a process known as vasodilation. When this happens, larger amounts of blood are able to flow through your veins and arteries, meaning more oxygen is delivered throughout your body.
Adding garlic into your regular diet can enhance your athletic performance, as well as improving your brain function! Garlic can be eaten raw, included in a wide range of recipes, and even taken in vitamin form.
Removing a bad habit and replacing it with a good one is the best thing a person can do for themselves; preventive health care in the form of healthy habits will keep your body feeling good and your medical bills low!
Related: 8 Simple Self Care Habits to Start Now
Every bad habit you replace with one of these good habits can help ensure a long healthy life for the road to come. Have you tried any of these healthy habits? If so, how did it make you feel?
Find healthy habits that work for you, and stick with them! Follow and join the City Girl Savings community by following us on IG and Twitter @citygirlsavings. For even more connection, chime in via our CGS Facebook page. We love hearing from our community!
