3 Simple Habits That Can Transform Your Life

At the start of every year, the most popular New Year’s Resolution is the same as every year before it--to be healthier. People all around the world are striving to reach this goal. Sadly, by the end of January, most of these people have already given up their goals. It’s shown that only 8% of people achieve the goals that they set at the beginning of the year. There are a variety of reasons for this. However, it usually boils down to the habits that people make before they set their goals. Our habits set the pattern for the rest of our lives and help predict how we will react in a given situation. To help you on your path to living healthier, and to help you achieve your future fitness goals, here are 3 healthy habits that could transform your life.

1. Drink More Water

If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Your body runs on water. Water is the substance that composes 65% of who you are. Your skin is hydrated by water, your organs from water, and your energy depends on the amount of water that you’re drinking. Humans can only survive 3 days without water. With all of that pointed out, it should be apparent that water is vital to your health. In fact, studies have shown that you can lose up to 4 pounds by doing nothing other than drinking a liter of water a day. This is because water helps your body to function properly and speeds up metabolism. Every time you feel thirsty, your metabolism slows back down. By increasing the amount of water that you’re drinking, you can increase your overall health and get a jumpstart on any of your fitness goals. Just remember, don’t let yourself get thirsty.

2. Add Swimming to Your Exercise Plan

Since we’re on the topic of water, you should make it a habit to get in the pool at least once a week for exercise. Why? Swimming is actually one of the healthiest and most effective types of exercise for your body. It works every muscle because you’re kicking, pulling, and flexing through the water. It also helps to exercise your lungs as you practice breathing techniques and challenge your body to work without the constant intake of air. It also takes a lot of the impact off your bones and helps people with arthritis to relieve the associated pain. If you’re swimming in an outdoor pool, you get the added benefit of getting exposure to vitamin D regularly, via the sun. It’s easiest to get these benefits if you have a pool in your area. The benefits of swimming regularly will change the way that your body performs in all capacities.

3. Read Everything You Can Find

Studies show that people who read more, are typically smarter than those who don’t. This isn’t because the people who read start off smarter, it’s just because they take the time to sit down with a book and read. Reading exposes your mind to new ideas, images, and beliefs. It can help you to process difficult information and help you to improve yourself. If you’re reading fiction novels or sci-fi novels, it helps to expand your creativity since you’re being exposed to new worlds--quite literally. Non-fiction novels teach you how to cope with everyday life and show you how to better yourself. Reading, in general, is a great way to gain knowledge and stimulate creativity by introducing your mind to new words and new language.

Conclusion

Your life revolves around your habits. The habits that you establish now are the things that will influence your life for years down the line. By establishing healthy habits now, you can transform your life and make it easier to reach your other fitness goals as well.