You’ve probably heard before that health is a habit. Cliché as it may sound, it’s so true! But in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be hard to find time for workouts and detoxes.

Luckily, all you really need to lead a healthy lifestyle is to incorporate beneficial habits into your regular routine. These five healthy habits to practice daily will transform your overall health, which will only get better with time!

1. Drink water strategically.

We’ve all heard the importance of drinking enough water each day. It’s suggested that you drink at least 64 ounces (or eight 8-oz. cups) of H2O each day, and even more on those hot summer days. However, did you know there are specific times in the day that hydrating is even more beneficial to your health?

Drinking ice-cold water first thing in the morning not only helps you wake up, but it also kick-starts your metabolism for the day. It’ll even flush out toxins and get your brain pumping sooner. Next time you reach for that morning cup of joe, consider drinking a glass of cold water first.

Additionally, drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before every meal will help you feel fuller while eating, making it easier to lose weight. Finally, end each day with another glass of cold water. This will help your body recover from the day and flush out toxins while you sleep.

2. Wear sunscreen every day.

If you’re like most people, you’re very diligent at slathering on the SPF 30 every time you hit the beach, and on those extra hot summer days. However, if these are the only times you think to apply, research shows that you aren’t wearing sunscreen enough.

In fact, many studies have come to the conclusion that sunscreen ought to applied every single day, despite the weather outside. Rain, snow, or shine, getting into the habit of applying sunscreen every morning will transform your skin over time. Daily application of sunscreen results in age-defying results for your skin, fighting against wrinkles, blemishes, and risks of skin cancer.

Because skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s no surprise that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. In fact, 5.4 million Americans are diagnosed each year, making it a huge threat to our health. But research shows that regularly applying sunscreen reduces your risk of melanoma by over 50 percent. A simple morning routine could give you soft, glowing skin and also reduce your risk of cancer!

3. Make time for reading.

Reading on a daily basis does wonders for your mind and overall health. Regular reading sharpens analytical skills, reduces stress, improves memory and focus, and even helps you stand out among competition. In the wise words of Harry Truman, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”

The average American can get through 20 pages of a book in about 30 minutes. If you committed to setting aside 30 minutes each day to read, you would be astounded by the amount of books you could get through in one year. Whether you prefer to read in the morning or evening, getting into the habit of reading daily will greatly improve your overall health!

4. Use your lunch break wisely.

Let’s face it, it doesn’t take an hour to eat your lunch at work! Instead of sitting on your phone or laptop, get into the habit of using your extra time at lunch to be active. Go for a walk outside, or make a run to the gym for a quick workout. Research shows that being active for at least 30 minutes a day helps you shed weight, and there are lots of health benefits to working out during lunch.

Another good rule of thumb to increase activity while at work is to get into the habit of taking the stairs. Short spikes of activity throughout the day help keep your metabolism pumping, brain working, and calories burning.

5. Eat more greens.

It can be hard to stick to three healthy meals (including snacks) each day. However, by integrating certain superfoods into your daily diet, you will see the benefits of healthy eating over time.

Dark leafy greens are packed with heart-healthy, age-defying goodness that make your insides rejoice! For starters, leafy greens are loaded with folate, telomeres, and antioxidants. These substances work together to fight against toxins, process hormones properly, protect your heart from various diseases, and slow the aging process.

The results? You’ll look and feel younger, healthier, and more energetic. You simply can’t go wrong with a daily dose of dark, leafy greens!

Incorporating these five healthy habits to practice daily can transform your body over time. With some consistency, these habits will become second nature to your daily routine. You’ll thank yourself when you start to reap the benefits of your determination!

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website.