The Healthiest Habits You Should Begin Today- No, seriously!

     Ah what to do for your health versus what not to do for your health is overwhelming these days, is it not? Infrared saunas, lymphatic drainage massages, juice cleanses, keto, fasting, one meal a day- we live in a crazy society. For anyone beginning a health journey, it can become overwhelming. Especially if you are like me and live in a large metropolitan city always one step ahead of the health trends.

    New Yorkers work hard and play hard. The typical New Yorker wakes up for a bootcamp class at 5 am before heading to Midtown to grind at their twelve-hour per day finance job. After a mentally grueling job, this New Yorker is inclined to meet their ten best friends at a post-work dinner where the norm is 5 martinis. After a hardcore social hour, it is time for the New Yorker to hit the hay for a restful 5 hours of sleep before getting up early to make it to their barre class. After all, those martinis aren't going to work themselves off!

    While I admire a hard work ethic, there are certain sustainable habits one can implement into their lifestyle to start their wellness journey now. These habits can set someone up for success in their individual life, which will create success in other aspects of their life- including their work, relationships, and social lives. 

    So, with that little intro being said, here are The Healthiest Habits You Should Begin Today:

1. Saying no. Woah! Who would have thought saying no would be the first on my list in terms of healthy habits to start as soon as possible. However, here is the thing, saying no is crucial. Say no to that dinner if it means you will not be able to sleep for eight hour, say no to that extra martini when you know you need to be focused the next day, say no to going on a vacation with ten friends if you know you will be financially stressed, so no to the piece of cake if you know you want to feel great this summer. It is truly more than okay to say no. You have got this! I know, I know.... saying no requires discipline. But just know, discipline is a muscle and the more you use it the more it grows.

2. Being Different. I am a 24 year old female who loves to be different! I think it is a very healthy habit to keep, in fact. Most 24 year olds love to go out on Friday and Saturday night until the crack of dawn. While I do enjoy joining these kinds of nights once in a blue moon, this really is not me. I went through a six month  stage of trying to be like everyone who says "enjoy your 20's and party hard." However, this just is not my personality or style. I work most weekends, and I love it! I love having a calm drink and dinner with my friend or boyfriend on a weekend night and going to bed by 10 pm! It makes me feel ready to take on my Saturday morning when I have a 6 am Pilates client. This is different, but that is okay. Do you!

3. Prioritizing Rest. Ah, sleep. We all need it, love it, and most likely do not get enough of it. A healthy habit to really start tonight is to sleep seven to eight hours. Try to turn off that Netflix show, put away your phone, cultivate a nice evening routine- and watch your life transform. I notice when I do not sleep well I am grumpy, snap easily at moved ones, unmotivated to work out, do not eat well, and do not get everything checked off my to-do list!

Sometimes, the best health tips and habits are not entirely about eating and exercising. Setting boundaries by saying no, embracing being different/unique, and prioritizing rest are key to living your best life.