Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Good habits to enrich your life

We all have habits. Unfortunately, for many of us the habits are often not too good for us. I ran across this list a while back and I think it contains a good cross section of habits that will certainly make you healthier, organized, and just better all around. I’m doing a few already and plan to take on more soon. 

Start strength training with weights 3 times a week. As we get older, we lose muscle mass, and our bones suffer too. Strength training helps this while also preventing injuries and increases energy. Work out different muscles each workout. You can do upper body and then lower body. Consult with your physician and start out small. Even a 2.5-pound weight can produce results. 

Look into intermittent fasting. That is where you refrain from eating for 15-16 hours. You could do this by skipping breakfast or not eating after midafternoon. Eat a lot of unsaturated fat and protein and whole unprocessed foods as much as possible. Again, consult your physician. Certain people with health concerns need to eat more often.  

Sleep a minimum of 7 hours per night. I can hear many of you saying, “Oh, I do fine with 5 hours!”. No, you do not. 95% of the population needs 7, better yet eight hours for optimum mental and physical health. Stay off the devices in the evening and get to bed early if you need to get up and perform. 

Have a night routine. Journaling helps many people get their thoughts together and helps you sleep better just getting your thoughts down. Lay out your clothes for the next day. I know, that’s for little kids. But it makes getting ready in the morning so much easier. Write down your priorities for the next day the night before. Again, it makes the day smoother. As you line out each task completed it gives a lot of satisfaction working towards your goals. 

Be present. Have you ever said, “When I achieve this, I will be happy.”? You are becoming stuck in the future and happiness will always elude you. Remind yourself every day that you should enjoy the now. In your nightly journal write down at least 3 things you are grateful for. You have more to be happy about than you think. 

Love and be kind to everyone you meet however hard that can be. Treat love as if it is a precious resource that we can’t deplete. Love never runs out. You can give away as much as you like. Don’t expect anything in return. Give love and kindness away every day. You have enough to give.

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago