Some say it takes 21 days to form a habit, others believe it could be as quick as a week, or as long as six months. What we do know for certain is that the earlier you take on healthy habits, the better it is for your long-term health. Now’s the perfect time to start! Let’s explore a few underrated and deceptively simple health habits to help make this your healthiest year yet.
Here’s a vitamin you can get for free every day! Sunlight helps us to produce Vitamin D; one of the essentials when it comes to building a strong immune system, improving bone health, and boosting our mood. And you literally need just a quick little boost. Take a short walk after lunch, or spend 15 minutes outdoors when you have time for a coffee break.
Before you say yes, consider this. Breathing isn’t just about inhaling and exhaling. Most of us breathe “shallowly”, we don’t often get into proper, deep breathing. Even if it’s just for five minutes a day, take that time to focus on deep, restorative breathing. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. This little trick can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve your mental clarity.
Yes, it’s quick and easy to grab a takeaway when you’re head-down on a deadline, or get home exhausted with no energy to cook. But, take a second to consider that food IS energy. The more you rely on processed and convenience foods, the more you will tend to feel low on energy, lethargic, and tired. This year, make it a habit to choose at least one fresh, whole meal each day. Your budget and your health will both thank you.
Health trends come and go but this ancient Ayurvedic practice is definitely worth adding to your 2025 health habits list. Get some good quality coconut or sesame oil and start each day by swishing a teaspoon of oil in your mouth for about 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t swallow the oil, simply move it around your mouth. This practice is said to banish bad breath, remove toxins, reduce harmful bacteria, and generally boost your oral health.
This will be a lifelong gamechanger! If you make it a habit to choose water over sodas, soft drinks, and sugary juices, you'll be giving your body the hydration it truly needs while cutting out unnecessary sugars.
Taking just 5 to 10 minutes each day to write in a journal or simply sit with your thoughts when you feel overwhelmed is a powerful way to clear your mind and reduce stress. Whether you jot down your thoughts, list things you’re grateful for, or vent your frustrations, journalling helps you to process emotions and gain self-awareness. Over time, it can improve your mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Forget the big resolutions that are often too overwhelming and seem impossible. Your mantra should be: small changes, consistently. For example, rather than aiming for a perfectly balanced meal every day, focus on making one healthy swap. Replace your 4pm chocolate with a yoghurt, or add one new vegetable to your meal at lunch. These small changes can have a cumulative effect on your overall health. Every effort counts, no matter how small, and embracing this mindset allows you to move forward consistently, without feeling overwhelmed by perfection.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.