Move over, New Year, New Me<\/em>. We endorse (read: highly encourage) a mid-year refresh<\/a>. In fact, there\u2019s no better time to take small, impactful steps<\/a> toward a healthier, happier you. After all, today\u2019s habits are tomorrow\u2019s health. And good news! These habits are as budget-friendly<\/a> (or free) as they come. With that in mind, we\u2019re exploring five practical yet essential practices that will transform your life. If you\u2019ve ever wondered how to have a good day\u2014consistently\u2014hit scroll.\u00a0<\/p>\n

P.S. Circumstances will never be perfect. Rather than wait for that golden moment to change your habits, just choose something<\/em> (small or significant<\/a>!) to implement today. Before you know it, you\u2019ll have transformed your well-being. Cheers to seizing July\u2019s momentum.<\/p>\n

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\n $\"Edie$ <\/div>\n
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\nEdie Horstman <\/span>
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Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women\u2019s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Power of Habit<\/h2>\n
At Camille Styles, we love our daily habits.<\/a> There\u2019s no denying their profound impact<\/a> on our lives. They\u2019ve calmed our minds, improved our creative flow<\/a>, made us more resilient, and helped us pause<\/a> in the midst of our busy schedules. But what is it about habits that make them so powerful? For starters, our daily habits\/rituals shape our future. They create a foundation for long-term well-being and success. Plus, by consistently practicing positive behaviors, we train our minds and bodies to operate more efficiently and effectively.<\/p>\n
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\n $\"Lauren$ <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
A Positive Ripple Effect<\/h2>\n
These habits\u2014be it regular exercise<\/a>, mindful eating<\/a>, or consistent sleep patterns<\/a>\u2014have an incredible ripple effect. They translate into everything from improved physical health to mental clarity and emotional stability. Eventually, these consistent, daily actions lead to dramatic<\/em> transformations. Moreover, the discipline and structure provided by healthy habits help us navigate challenges with resilience. Without a doubt, they enhance our overall quality of life. And the research<\/a> proves it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\n $\"Woman$ <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
How to Get Back Into a Routine<\/h2>\n
We all know good habits reap countless rewards. But if you\u2019ve veered off track, committing (back) to them can feel like climbing Mount Everest. We get it. If you\u2019re overwhelmed by the thought of getting into routine<\/a>\u2014or for that matter, starting a new one\u2014here\u2019s where to begin.<\/p>\n
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Assess your current circumstances.<\/strong> Identify what aspects of your routine need improvement and what changes you want to make. Be realistic!<\/li>\n
Set clear goals.<\/strong> Define specific, achievable objectives for your new routine to give yourself direction and motivation. Take a peek at our steps<\/a> to make your goals actually <\/em>happen.<\/li>\n
Start small.<\/strong> Introduce one or two small changes to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to ensure consistency. For example, go for a five-minute walk after you eat lunch and commit to that for one week.<\/li>\n
Create a schedule.<\/strong> Plan your day with designated slots for your new habits, ensuring they fit seamlessly into your daily life. Pop them into your calendar to hold yourself accountable.<\/li>\n
Stay accountable.<\/strong> Speaking of accountability, track your progress and consider sharing your goals with a friend. You can also use a habit tracker<\/a> for added accountability.<\/li>\n
Be patient and flexible.<\/strong> Allow yourself an adjustment period, and be open to tweaking your routine as needed! Perfectionism isn\u2019t the goal here. Progress is.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
\n $\"Woman$ <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
All About Habit Stacking<\/h2>\n
When it comes to getting back into routine, one of the most effective ways to do this is via habit stacking<\/a>. It\u2019s a game-changer. Habit stacking is a powerful technique where you build new<\/em> habits by linking them to existing<\/em> 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<\/a> every morning, you can stack a new habit, like breathwork<\/a>, with it. Or before you take your first bite of dinner, express gratitude for one thing that happened earlier that day.<\/p>\n
Why does habit stacking work?<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re 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\u2014which, as mentioned, can feel taxing. However, by associating new habits with familiar cues, habit stacking requires less cognitive strain. It\u2019s easier to remember whatever new habit you\u2019re implementing! As you consistently perform these actions, positive change is inevitable.<\/p>\n
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\n $\"Woman$ <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Reality Check: Ditch These Habits<\/h2>\n
Before we dive into habits that support <\/em>your well-being, what habits aren\u2019t serving you? Of course, this looks different for all of us (we each have our vices). But generally speaking, habits to ditch<\/a> include the following:<\/p>\n
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Procrastination:<\/strong> Delaying tasks increases stress and reduces productivity. Fortunately, we have the cure<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Negative self-talk:<\/strong> This undermines your confidence and mental well-being. Constantly comparing yourself to others does this too!<\/li>\n
Overeating junk food:<\/strong> This doesn\u2019t do your physical health, energy levels, hormones<\/a>, or digestion any favors. Use the notion of \u201ccrowding out\u201d<\/a> these foods and replacing them with more nourishing ones.<\/li>\n
Excessive screen time:<\/strong> If you know, you know\u2014this reduces productivity and affects sleep quality. Consider a dopamine detox<\/a> by swapping your phone for a page-turning book<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Skipping exercise:<\/strong> This negatively impacts everything from sleep to blood sugar balance<\/a>. It\u2019s so important to find movement you enjoy.<\/li>\n
Impulsive spending:<\/strong> This is leads to financial stress and insecurity. If you currently subscribe to a slew of retailer newsletters, hit unsubscribe. Out of sight, out of mind.<\/li>\n
Neglecting sleep:<\/strong> Affects mood, cognitive function, and overall health.<\/li>\n
Multitasking:<\/strong> For most of us, this decreases efficiency and increases errors. Time batch<\/a>, baby.<\/li>\n
Holding grudges:<\/strong> This doesn\u2019t do you (or your family, friends, or coworkers) any favors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\n $\"Sanne$ <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
How to Have a Good Day: 5 Essential Habits to Practice<\/h2>\n
Once you recognize behaviors that aren\u2019t 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<\/a>, fuel proper digestion<\/a>, improve your self-worth, and so much more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1. Sunlight<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re like me, you love the sensation of warm sun on your skin. I crave <\/em>it\u2014particularly in the middle of a Colorado winter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Benefits:<\/strong> 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<\/a>, and regulates your circadian rhythm<\/a>. It\u2019s key for feeling more alert during the day and encouraging better sleep at night.<\/p>\n
How to Implement: <\/strong>Aim to spend at least 15-30 minutes outside each day, preferably in the morning. Whether it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
2. Movement<\/h3>\n
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!<\/p>\n
The Benefits:<\/strong> Frequent movement improves posture, increases energy levels, and enhances your overall physical well-being. It also supports mental clarity and<\/em> reduces the risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Plus, it\u2019s the secret sauce to mitigating the afternoon slump<\/a>.<\/p>\n
How to Implement: <\/strong>Set a reminder to stand up and move every hour. Take short walks<\/a> during breaks, use a standing desk (or better yet, a treadmill desk<\/a>!), or have a post-dinner dance party in your living room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
3. Quality Sleep<\/h3>\n
Quality sleep is the foundation<\/em> of a good day. Practicing good sleep hygiene<\/a>\u2014such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulants before bed\u2014can drastically improve your sleep quality.<\/p>\n
The Benefits:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n
How to Implement: <\/strong>Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing pre-sleep ritual<\/a>, such as reading a book or practicing meditation, to signal to your body that it\u2019s time to wind down.<\/p>\n
4. Minimally-Processed Foods<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s not secret that consuming whole, natural foods<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n
The Benefits:<\/strong> Eating natural and organic foods improves everything from digestion to longevity. It\u2019s also the catalyst for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing inflammation<\/a>, and providing the nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Aim to choose organic options<\/a> when your budget<\/a> allows.<\/p>\n
How to Implement: <\/strong>First and foremost, stick to the perimeter of the grocery store. That\u2019s where you\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/em><\/p>\n
5. Mental Health<\/h3>\nLast but not least (but an easy one to neglect): your mental health. It\u2019s crucial for a balanced, happy life. Fortunately, a few minutes go a long way. Practices like meditation, breathwork, and listening to empowering podcasts<\/a> help manage stress, improve focus, and foster a positive mindset.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Benefits:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n
How to Implement: <\/strong>Dedicate a few minutes each day to mental health practices. Start your morning with a brief meditation session<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n
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\n $\"Camille$ <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Start Today for a Better Tomorrow<\/h2>\n
Implementing these five habits will transform your day-to-day life. Trust<\/em>. They\u2019ll 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\u2019ll set the foundation for a healthier and happier you.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n