Developing a healthy daily routine can help to anchor us, reduce stress and allow us to stay on track with our goals. Our routines can aid in cultivating positive habits and help to prioritise self care.

"You'll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret to success is found in your daily routine." - John C. Maxwell

We all have 24 hours per day or 168 hours per week. How we spend that time is, essentially, how we spend our entire lives. (No pressure, right?!) Here are 10 ways we stay healthy every day.

1. Develop a Morning Ritual

By developing your own morning ritual, you'll set yourself up in a positive way for the day. This could mean setting your alarm and waking up at the same time each day (even on weekends), following a skincare routine or just making yourself a cup of your favourite coffee blend. Making your bed as soon as you get up is also a great way to accomplish a small task right away, giving you a little boost of encouragement to keep ticking things off your list. A solid morning routine will get you in the right head space to take on the rest of the day.

2. Have a Good Breakfast

If you're time poor (who isn't?) then preparing a nourishing breakfast in advance is going to be what makes or breaks this one. Overnight oats, chia puddings, egg cups or breakfast mini muffins are all better than an empty stomach. Preparation is key!

3. Drink Water

Hydration has a major effect on your energy levels, brain function and even your mood. Fun Fact: Adult humans are made up of 60 % water and our blood is actually 90% water.

Water also helps your kidneys remove waste from your blood, prevent kidney stones and UTIs. By keeping a bottle of water with you at all times, you're more likely to actually drink it. Small sips throughout the day will greatly add to your overall water intake.

** Less is more if you have kidney failure (a.k.a. end stage kidney disease). When the kidneys fail, the body doesn’t excrete enough water, if any at all. For those who are receiving dialysis treatment, water must actually be greatly restricted.

4. Have Healthy Snacks

Following on from Tip No. 2 - preparation is key on this! Planning your snacks ahead of time will save you grabbing something high in sugar, fat or salt. Our fav snack to throw in the trusty tote bag is home-made protein balls. Hit up Pinterest for some yummy recipes.

5. Move your body for 30 mins a day (at least!)

Getting up and moving your body for just 30 minutes every day will help to increase productivity, improve memory, boost your mood, reduce stress levels and improve your self confidence. Carving out that time for yourself is so important, and so many people find that the gym becomes their happy place because of it. But even if you can't find the time for a dedicated pilates sesh, you can get your 30 in other ways, like walking the dog, taking a stroll around a nearby lake or even taking the stairs instead of the escalator. It all counts in the long run.

6. Get enough Sleep

Getting enough Zzzz allows your body to rest and repair itself. During deep sleep your body works to repair muscle, organs, and other cells whilst helping to manage your appetite, immune system function and hormone production. Going to bed at the same time each night and avoiding stimulants like caffeine, sugar and nicotine will help you to get much needed rest.

7. Set your intentions

Simply put, your intentions set the course and determine the direction you’re headed and ultimately the results you achieve. Becoming clear on your intentions allows you to make defined goals that you can break down into actionable tasks. Take a moment to check in with your intentions every day and make sure that you're taking the right steps going forward.

8. Pack your activewear

Another one that relies on preparation (noticing a pattern here?) If that bag is packed and ready to go, then so are you. Pack everything you need ie, active gear, sneakers, water bottle, towel, yoga mat, etc and leave it by the front door or even go one step further and put it in your car the night before. You'll thank yourself later.

9. Practise Gratitude

This is an important one. No matter what kind of day you're having - take a minute to think about the things in your life that you're grateful for. Your family, friends, the ability to breathe fresh air or feel the sun on your skin. A piping hot cup of coffee, crunchy toast or comfy PJs. This will put everything else into perspective and help to ground you. 

10. Get some Natural Light

Speaking of 'grounding' - our final tip is to get outside, get some natural light and (trust us on this) stand with bare feet on the earth. Research has shown that barefoot contact with the earth can produce nearly instant changes in a variety of physiological measures; helping to improve sleep, reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, as well as lower stress and anxiety levels. Plus, it just feels freakin' great! Do yourself a favour and try it. Today. K?

What does your healthy daily routine look like? Let us know in the comments.

Fallon & Darren