Non-Negotiable Daily Habits for a Healthy Life
When life gets busy, you need a few simple practices that serve as anchors to keep you grounded, energized, and at ease. Think of these habits as the foundation of your day: subtle, fundamental rituals that support your health, no matter what’s on your calendar. Here are the simple, healthy-living non-negotiables I come back to every single day:
Body: Nourish and Energize
Hydration — Start your day with a glass of water immediately upon waking. Continue to focus on hydration throughout, not just when you feel thirsty, the day to maintain mental focus, support digestion, keep skin healthy and hydrated, and boost energy. Aim to drink water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. A simple tip: keep a reusable water bottle nearby as a reminder.
Movement — Movement doesn’t have to mean an intense workout every day. Walking, stretching, playing outside, taking the stairs, and cleaning the house all add up. Aim for a minimum of 10,000 steps per day and avoid sitting still for hours at a time, even a few steps every hour add up over the day. Also try to get some movement like walking, stretching, or light pilates after dinner to make sure your blood sugar is stabilized before bed; this will help ensure you get good sleep!
Mind: Calm and Centered
Restful Sleep — Rest is not optional; it’s the most powerful healer for your bodies and brains. Quality sleep supports immune health, hormone health, mood balance, and focus. Protect your bedtime like an appointment you can’t miss. Also make sure that your bedroom is cool, quiet, and free of light to ensure that you wake up feeling refreshed the next day.
Unwind Before Sleep — The way you transition into sleep can impact the quality your sleep. Slowing down at least 30 minutes before bed (I prefer at least an hour) signals to your body that it’s time to rest and can lower stress hormones, ease your mind, and set you up for deeper, more restorative sleep. In the hours before bed, make sure to turn off or dim lights to help your body prepare for sleep. Check out our reading lists for some cozy bedtime reading suggestions.
Mindfulness and Stress Management — This doesn’t have to be a significant portion of your day; even a few minutes of deep breathing, journaling, or meditation can make a big difference in how you handle daily stress. Think of it as training your mind the way exercise trains your muscles. There are many online free videos on YouTube to help with your meditation practice. We love the Alo Wellness Club’s meditation collection.
Environment: Create Space for Wellness
Fresh Air and Sunlight — Spending time outdoors, even for 10–15 minutes and especially in the morning, helps regulate your circadian rhythm, boosts vitamin D, and makes you feel more alive. Breathe in, look up, feel the sunlight on your skin. Nature has a way of pressing reset on your nervous system.
Nourishing Food — Stock your kitchen with whole ingredients that invite health: colorful produce, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds. The closer food is to its natural state, the more nourishing it is. These foods should make up the bulk of your meals. Save processed foods for the occasional treat, not the everyday fuel.
✨ Design your days with intention and treat these habits as simple commitments you are making to your health. You’ll notice the difference. If you are feeling low energy and run down from a busy life, it can take a while to feel better. But be patient and keep focused on the small, but impactful healthy habits that will lead you back to an energetic, healthful life. Let these quiet rituals weave naturally into your routine, not as one more thing to check off your to do list, but as steady anchors that nurture your body and mind.
If you’d like to check out our favorite products that support these healthy living habits, check them out here.