15 habits that change life to add to your wellness routine

Experts from a prominent leading spa share their best advice.


Total well-being is much more than checking the boxes of your health. Encompassing physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being, it is when the different aspects of your life are aligned to unlock a healthier, happier . It is often said that you can change your life one habit at a time, but unless you know what wellness habits move the dial the most, you may not know where to start.

This is why we went on a plane and we were sent to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina to visit Hilton Head Health (H3), a leading destination for weight loss and well-being. We met the experts on the campus to find out which well -being habits they live and share with their guests - many of whom come back year after year for expert ideas and advice.

Ready to change your life? Read the rest to learn the 15 surprisingly simple well-being habits that have the most impact, according to H3 experts.

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1
Challenge your portions and proportions of plates.

Woman eating small bowl of healthy food
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You do not imagine it - the size of the portions increases continuously, both in restaurants and at home. For many people, it translates " portions distortion "" Who can feed weight gain, dye heart health, increase your risk of certain cancers, and more.

Anne Poirier , THE Director of behavioral health In H3, indicates that reinvention of your parts and food proportions is one of the most powerful means of taking care of your well-being. If you are just starting, try to follow the transition guide of the American Institute for Cancer Research at New American plate . This can help you wean on a more traditional American diet built around meats and starchy foods, towards a more balanced plate that emphasizes whole grains, lean proteins and non -starchy vegetables.

According to H3 executive chief ,, Thomas Carrig , it doesn't need to be a chore. He suggests learning to cook a handful of tasty vegetable recipes that you can really enjoy using spices and seasoning mixtures that make your taste buds sing.

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2
Build "structural flexibility".

senior couple walking through town in autumn
Floor image / trigger

One of the first things to do when you start a new wellness routine is to define "intelligent objectives" - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time -based icens. However, Poirier says that it is also a good idea to build "structural flexibility" in any health plan so that you have not derailed by minor differences.

For example, you can decide that it is normal to eat your favorite dessert on occasion, as long as you take the time to savor it and try not to make the decision to have it impulsively. By planning hiccups and exceptions, you are more likely to continue to return to your healthy eating habits many times.

In relation: 10 ways to feel calm and happy (this is not meditation) .

3
Use the "FITT" model for the exercise.

Woman Doing Pilates Exercise on Reformer
Istock / Freshness

Regarding exercise, there is a more specific means of building structural flexibility. Poirier recommends think of each physical activity in terms of "frequency, intensity, time and type" (FITT). In this way, when you cannot follow your normal wellness plan, you can modify specific aspects of your training without rejecting all the habit.

For example, you may not have time for your 30-minute daily race, but you may be able to walk 15 minutes in the afternoon. In this case, you would have changed intensity and time, but not the frequency or type (cardiovascular exercise). By preserving certain aspects of habit, you will probably find easier to resume your original plan later.

In relation: 8 simple exercises that will make your joints feel better .

4
Make objectives focused on behavior.

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While many people find motivating to keep an eye on the price, Poirier recommends giving attention at least equal to the behaviors that take you there.

For example, you don't necessarily need to set a goal to lose a certain amount of weight and measure your success in relation to the scale. Instead, try to measure your success according to the frequency to which you reach your exercise or frequency goals to which you eat a well -balanced meal.

5
Sleep when you fall asleep.

indian man sleeping in bed at home at night
Floor image / trigger

Tyler Bostic , A Fitness coach and Manuel therapist For H3, says that another way to prioritize your well-being is to prioritize sleep. You can do it by listening to your body and becoming more attentive to its natural rhythms.

"If you are sleepy, it means it's time to go down-don't wait for a bedtime or you can miss your window," he said Better life. "Wake up naturally, without alarm every time you can," he adds.

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6
Focus on the quality of training, not the quantity.

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According to Bostic, physical form is a diet at 80% and 20%, but what you do with 20% count. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Rather than training rigorously and often, which can cause exhaustion and future, he recommends doing a full exercise for 20 to 40 minutes each third day. The key, he says, is to balance cardio, strength and flexibility with four types of movements: push exercises, traction exercises, kernel reinforcement exercises and lower body exercises. On days off, you can stay active while simply walking, he said.

In relation: 8 ways to motivate you to take a daily walk .

7
Create a "adjustment bite" station.

Snacking at work. Woman eating healthy snacks at work. Vegetable diet snacks. Glass container
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Then, Poirier recommends considering how your family environment could sabotage your healthy consumption goals. Since healthy snacks is such a common struggle, it recommends preparing you for success by creating a "adjustment bite" station.

At Hilton Head Health, it is an designated snack area which is filled with healthy snacks pre-portraged such as carrot sticks, houmous and vegetables, yogurt, fruit and more. "Our environment will always lead our behavior," explains Poirier.

8
Stop compensating for "briefs".

eating cake health tweaks over 40
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Regarding health and well-being, progress is almost never linear. By waiting for you and planning failure and kissing it even as part of the process, you can find it easier to return many times to a healthy path many times.

Poirier says that in H3, the team recommends that they do not compensate for "shifts" in your health and well-being routine. For example, if you find yourself eating several slices of cheese cake one day, do not try to define things by limiting or exercising excessively the next day. Instead, remember the original plan and come back to business as usual.

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9
Stay focused on your successes.

Relaxed woman, arms rised, enjoying sun, freedom and life an a beautiful beach. Young lady feeling free, relaxed and happy. Concept of vacations, freedom, happiness, enjoyment and well being.
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Improving your health and well-being is often easier to say than to do. However, Poirier says Better life She believes that "success generates success" and that a positive attitude - especially towards yourself - can go very far.

The more you can recognize how easy you have happened, the easier it will be to rely on these previous successes and pave a healthy path, she adds. Try to keep a journal of your successes to keep them in mind.

In relation: 10 claims to feel good in your body at any age .

10
Make your mental health a priority.

Psychotherapy session, woman talking to his psychologist in the studio
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Your physical and mental health is deeply linked. If you move your body, eat well and sleep, you already set the basics of more happiness and less stress and anxiety.

However, by explicitly focusing on your mental health - whether through therapy, meditation or other means - can really transform your life. You can start by making a list of resources, activities and tools that help you treat harsh feelings, free stress, calm negative or improve the quality of your relationships.

11
Create a master schedule for health screening.

Senior man at a physical exam with his doctor.
Ljubaphoto / Istock

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of staying above your planned health projections. Indeed, using routine screening examinations and scheduled blood panels, you are more likely to discover health problems when they are still in their first most treatable steps. Take the habit of checking with your doctor to find out more about various projections available to you and obtain regular balance sheets.

12
Book-End the day with wellness.

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One of the favorite well-being habits of Poirier is to carry out the day with acts of self-eating. To do this, simply find a brief wellness routine for the morning and another for the evening. By supervising your day in healthy personal care habits, you are more likely to make good choices throughout the day, notes the Wellness Expert.

Start by wondering: "How can I put my day successful?" You could plan your morning around a cup of coffee, 10 minutes of meditation, some positive affirmations and walk the dog. Then do the same for evening hours. You could conclude your day with exercise, a centering activity such as coloring, bath and a useful sleep routine.

In relation: 10 things that the happiest people do every morning .

13
Stretch at least twice a day.

Woman Stretching in the Morning
Africa Studio / Shutterstock

Bostic recommends stretching twice a day-and says that the activity makes a perfect addition to your "well-being hugs".

"The best time to stretch is the first thing in the morning and before going to bed because we are in a fixed position throughout the night. It is when we are the most rigid," he explains .

In relation: 5 morning stretches that will instantly increase your energy, say the experts .

9
Banish the thought "all or nothing".

Shot of two senior women walking together in morning with sun shining from behind
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In health and well-being, we often think of things in terms of black and white. Poirier says that this kind of reflection "everything or nothing" can leave you trapped in a high objective cycle, perceived failures and derailment.

Instead, the well-being expert recommends focus on what you can do and what you have time. For example, instead of saying "I only have 10 minutes, so I can't do my usual training", try to say: "I have 10 minutes and 10 minutes of movement is always better than 10 minutes of session . "

In relation: 8 daily affirmations to send your confidence in arrow .

15
Disconnect and go out in nature.

Portrait of a mature man breathing fresh air
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Finally, if you spend most of your time sitting and linked to technology, you may find it difficult to integrate well-being habits into your daily life. Poirier recommends making a conscious effort to disconnect from your devices whenever possible and spend part of the day in the wild if you have the opportunity.

"Many people find themselves stressed and overwhelmed by technology and social media, especially young people," she said. Spend less time in front of a screen and more time with the wind in your hair can do a world of good.

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