8 Healthy Daily Routines for a Healthier, More Productive You

A solid daily routine can make a good day a great day! In this article, I’ve included 8 healthy daily routines to help you live a healthier, more productive life. Everyone’s ideal routine will be different, so think of this as a starting list of suggestions rather than a definitive guide. Adding some of these to your routine may involve some schedule changes such as waking up earlier to make it happen. Experiment with what works for you, the end goal is to find something sustainable so you can consistently rock your daily routine.

1. Get Good Sleep

A great way to start your day on the right foot is to get good sleep in the first place. Most adults feel their best on 7-9 hours of sleep, and keep in mind you may need more if you’re sick, or regularly complete vigorous exercise like strength training. While the time for sleep may be hard to come by in busy phases of life, it’s important for your physical and mental health.

There are a variety of factors that may be affecting the quality and quantity of your sleep, so it can be helpful to identify factors that may be affecting your sleep. Next, determine which of these factors are within your control such as reducing blue light exposure closer to bedtime or getting in bed at a decent hour that you can improve. Once your sleep schedule is optimized, wake up each day fresh and ready to tackle the day ahead.

2. Don’t Check Your Phone

For many of us, the first thing we do in the morning is to reach for our phones. Our phones are filled with potential stressors - emails, bank account notifications, texts - all of which feel like they’re demanding your immediate attention.

Your phone is there to distract you all day, so why not put off the distraction so that you can carve out a little time to enjoy your morning before you really get rolling? Plus, reaching for your phone is a great way to derail your morning, because let’s be honest, who hasn’t lost themselves scrolling on Instagram before even getting out of bed?

3. Stretch it Out

Wake up and prime your body for the day with some light stretching and mobility! A gentle stretch will increase blood flow, and help your body feel relaxed and ready to face the day ahead. Give this Dynamic Stretching Routine a go or try this relaxing Full Body Stretch, both of which are only 10 minutes each.

4. Drink Water

Start your day with a glass of water and continue drinking water all day to stay hydrated and refreshed. For proper hydration, it’s recommended most adults drink at least 8 cups of water a day, but this isn’t an exact recommendation. You may need more if you exercise often, or if it’s a particularly hot day!

5. Eat a Balanced Breakfast

Eating a balanced breakfast will prime your body and mind so you can perform your best throughout the day ahead. Focus on eating a plate balanced with all three macronutrients: protein, fats, and carbs. Breakfast is not just great for fueling and energizing your body but can also be a great source of enjoyment. Choose foods that won’t only fuel your body well, but also foods you enjoy starting the day off on a positive note!

6. Do Something Fun or Creative

This may sound counterproductive but taking time for yourself in the morning to do something you enjoy can be a great mood booster. Get your creative juices flowing and work on a project you’re excited about, or just do something you enjoy just for the fun of it like reading a book, playing a game, or watching your favorite morning talk show. Just remember, taking time for self-care is never a waste of time, and taking that time early in the day will help carry you through the day with more joy and purpose.

7. Move Your Body

The morning is a great time to get a workout in, as this is the only time most people can find some quiet time to themselves; however, as I’m sure many of you have found, exercising in the morning is also an awesome way to set the tone for the day. By accomplishing something early in the day, you’ll feel ready and prepared to tackle the more challenging tasks in your day!

However, if you’re not a morning person, any time of the day will do. There are many benefits to exercise that you won’t want to miss out on, so plan a time of day that works for you to get some movement in. If you’re not sure what to do, the Sunny Health & Fitness YouTube channel is a great place to start, we have plenty of workouts to choose from, ranging from beginner to advanced.

8. Journal for 5 Minutes

Journaling is a great way to get your mindset right, priorities in check, or just spend time practicing gratitude. There are a variety of different journaling techniques out there, each designed to help you be more productive, healthier, and happier at home. My advice is to find one that fits your needs and give it a go.

My personal favorite is keeping a daily gratitude journal. Each day write a list of three things you're grateful for. It can be anything from your family and friends to the beautiful sunset during your evening commute. While you can do this either in the morning or evening, I enjoy doing this one in the evening, as it’s a positive way to reflect on your day.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these ideas and found at least one healthy daily routine you’d like to add to your regular schedule. Remember, it takes time to add something new to your day and find regular consistency. Be patient with yourself and make adjustments as needed to make your new healthy daily routine work for you!