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Want to know how to have a great day every day? You may think that’s not realistic. And I will grant you, it’s not always easy! There are, however, daily habits you can adopt that make having good days attainable as a regular thing! ?
Essentially it boils down to taking care of your body and your mind/spirit. Common sense stuff. Below are a few tips that you might find to be useful reminders.
Sustainable Sleeping Patterns
Good sleep habits are vital to overall well-being. Sleep cycles have to be consistent for your body to be invigorated before embarking on your daily routine. Without enough sleep, fatigue and loss of mental sharpness will affect your day. This can make you ineffective in your work environment and complicate what should be easy tasks.
Moreover, poor sleep patterns often cause people to stress eat potentially leading to problems over time like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. On a more superficial level, you just might not look as good! You might experience visible bags under your eyes and premature aging. Looks aren’t everything, of course, but looking your personal best can help lift your mood each day.
A minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night goes a long way in your enjoyment of each day as well as long-term happiness and health.
Morning Stretches
Not everybody is a morning person. Many people find it a bit difficult to get moving once up and out of bed. Stretching can help! Maybe you’ve seen. your pet getting up from a nap and enjoying a deep stretch? Animals often naturally do things that humans often neglect.
Stretching is beneficial for muscles and joints. It improves blood circulation to the entire body and can help start the day off right!
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, stretching lets you start your day with a burst of energy, makes you more flexible and also enhances your coordination. Stretching often comes naturally, but we don’t necessarily start our day with it. Having a morning routine to follow is a great habit to develop. Try this 5 minute routine ? , or make up your own.
Wholesome Meals and Hydration
When looking for how-to-have-a-great-day-every-day habits, what you eat and drink should be one of the first things you think of. How you feel throughout the day is greatly influenced by the food you eat.
A good balance of proteins, fiber, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals will sustain your energy levels all day. Whole foods are always better choices than processed foods, but do the best you can. For example, canned fruits have all the same vitamins as fresh fruit, they just lack the fiber.
Many people like to start the day with healthy smoothies. Many companies sell their own versions of them, or you can make up your own using:
- a protein such as Greek yogurt
- veggies like spinach
- fat like coconut oil and
- fruit of choice
Planning your meals and snacks helps you avoid scrambling for healthy choices. There is less nutritional value in eating processed food and due to their high salt content, they can contribute to issues like high blood pressure if eaten routinely.
Your healthy diet is not just about food choices. It should also include proper hydration throughout the day. Good hydration is important for so many reasons!
Here’s a list of benefits from Harvard Health Publishing:
You may read a wide range of recommendations about how much water is the right amount. I have seen some pretty extreme suggestions! Again, here’s what Harvard Health has to say:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Water intake must be individualized, and you should check with your doctor if you are not sure about the right amount for you.
I personally don’t have a specific amount I drink. I just drink a glass of water upon awakening, with meals, and then sip all day. ?
Routine Exercise
Exercise is another topic that can be confusing due to all the recommendations out there. I discuss this more here. But definitely a certain level of activity contributes to good health and mobility which, of course, make for happier days.
Having an exercise routine that you actually is the key. This insures that you will do it regularly. My father is in his late 90’s and has never formally exercised! That said, he had to walk a lot at work and stayed busy with projects on the weekend. So he was not sedentary. Still as he’s aged, he has had to be more conscious about remaining active and has at times benefitted from some PT exercises.
The old adage, use it or lose it, seems to apply. ? Or, to quote Dory, Just keep swimming (from Finding Nemo).
Managing Stress
A benefit of exercise that is sometimes overlooked is that it is a great stress-reliever. Managing stress is the last how-to-have-a-great-day habit to discuss.
Let’s face it. Life is good, for sure, but it is also stressful! There’s our own personal stressors, and then there’s global stressors–all the big, world, stuff.
There are lots of worthwhile practices that can help, including perspective shifts. Yoga, meditation, and prayer all come to mind.
One of the simplest and most effective things we can do to manage stress however, is to learn to manage our breathing. I love this breath technique presented below. Easy to learn and to immediately put into practice! Give it a try.
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In Conclusion
Having a great day every day is largely based on the sum effects of all the little habits that create the right environment for you to thrive. Sure, some days may try you more than others. But you have more control than you might think!
Start today implementing healthy habits. Also, check out my 30 Days to a Happier Life which overlaps with this a little, but which teaches happiness habits for the price of a Starbucks coffee ☕️ .
FAQ for “How to Have a Great Day Every Day”
While it may not be easy, and not every day will be perfect, adopting certain daily habits can greatly increase the likelihood of having consistently good days.
Consistent sleep patterns are crucial for overall well-being. Adequate sleep helps in maintaining mental sharpness and energy levels, which are essential for effectiveness in daily tasks.
Stretching in the morning can boost blood circulation, improve flexibility and coordination, and provide a burst of energy, making it easier to start your day on a positive note.
Your diet significantly influences how you feel throughout the day. A balance of proteins, fiber, carbs, fats, and vitamins, along with proper hydration, sustains energy levels and contributes to overall health.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Water intake should be individualized. It’s advisable to consult a doctor for personalized recommendations.
Regular exercise contributes to good health and mobility. Finding an exercise routine that you enjoy ensures that you’ll stick to it, contributing to happier days.
Yes, exercise is not only good for physical health but also serves as an effective stress-reliever.
Practices like yoga, meditation, prayer, and specific breathing techniques can be effective in managing stress.
Begin by gradually incorporating these healthy habits into your daily routine. Focus on one habit at a time to make sustainable changes.
Yes, you can explore further resources like the “30 Days to a Happier Life” program, which offers additional habits and practices for improving daily happiness.
