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If you don’t already, add in several 30-minute workouts to your weekly routine. Do something you enjoy, like walking, jogging, biking, weight lifting, swimming, or playing some kind of group sport. Your body will feel better, and the endorphins will boost your emotional health, too. If you struggle with fitting in exercise, try scheduling it into your calendar so it is set in stone. Treat it like you would a doctor’s appointment or an important meeting. Water does wonders for your body! Drink enough water every day to help your organs run more efficiently, make your skin look better, and keep you energized and alert. Try drinking a glass of water every morning when you first wake up to get your daily routine started. If you’re a teen, try to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night; if you’re older than 18, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day to get your body into a routine.  Try setting an alarm for 30 minutes before you want to be in bed. When the alarm goes off, turn off your electronics and start your bedtime routine so your mind and body can begin to wind down. Keeping your room dark and cool can help you get a better night’s sleep. It’s common to feel a lot of pressure to push through and be productive, even when your body is telling you to slow down. When you notice that you’re feeling worn down, be intentional about taking some extra time to rest, whether that’s canceling plans for the evening to lounge at home or scheduling a day for “no plans” in your calendar. If you push yourself when your body is telling you it needs rest, you risk lowering your immune system and making yourself sick. Plus, a tired body and mind won’t be as productive as one that is well-rested. Having good hygiene habits can help prevent health problems later down the road. Try to incorporate these different types of hygiene into your daily routine:  Dental hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist for a checkup once a year. Physical hygiene: Shower or take a bath every 1-2 days and wear deodorant every day. Hand hygiene: Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, touch something dirty, and before and after you handle food. Hair masks, face masks, manicures, pedicures, relaxing baths, spa days, massages, and other similar activities are wonderful ways you can give your mind and body a little extra TLC. You can book an appointment with a professional, or enjoy doing things yourself at home. Try doing something special for yourself once a week so it’s something you can always look forward to. If there is a bad habit that you’d like to quit, start by making a list of the reasons why you want to stop doing that activity. Pick one habit at a time to work on, and try replacing the bad habit with something good for you.  For example, instead of going outside for a smoke break, take those 5-10 minutes to take a brisk walk instead. Or, start adding in a glass of water between every drink you have to slow down your alcohol consumption. If you have an addiction, talk to a professional to get some concrete steps to help break the cycle. Instead of viewing foods as “good” or “bad,” focus on eating things that you know make your body feel better. In general, eat more fruits, vegetables, protein, and calcium to help your body run better. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, take those seriously.  If you struggle with eating what you want to eat, try making a meal plan for a week at a time. Write out what you want to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, and then go grocery shopping so you have everything you need. Remember that there is nothing wrong with having a treat, whether that’s a big, juicy burger or a delicious piece of chocolate cake. Just remember to balance the treats with healthy options so your body doesn’t start to feel sluggish.
Exercise 4-5 times a week to keep your body strong. Stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water every day. Make getting enough sleep a priority so your body is running at its best. Take time to rest when your body is feeling worn down. Practice good hygiene so you look and feel better about yourself. Indulge in special self-care routines to pamper yourself. Avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking and binge drinking, so you feel better. Value your body by eating a healthy diet.