11 Good Habits to Build for a Healthy Lifestyle
Do you want to start building good habits to feel more in charge of your health?
Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean being perfect or overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight. In reality, some of the most powerful shifts start with the tiniest changes. By slowly building better habits into your daily life, you can naturally support your wellbeing without the stress, overwhelm, or spending tons of money.
These 11 good health habits are easy, practical, and totally doable. They’re about making thoughtful choices that support your body and mind in simple ways. Whether you’re trying to clean up your diet, reduce chemicals, move your body more, or improve the health of your environment, incorporating these habits can help.
If you feel overwhelmed, just start small and do what makes sense for you, knowing that every step counts. A few new good habits really can have a big impact over time.
Let’s dive in!
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11 Good Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle
1. Daily Exercise
Moving your body every day doesn’t have to mean a hardcore workout, and it’s such a good habit for health. Even 10–15 minutes of light strength training is enough to feel stronger and more energized. (Think planks, squats, and more!)
Staying active by walking is an excellent form of exercise. You can use a pedometer or fitness tracker to count your steps (The experts recommend 6,000- 10,000 steps per day or more for healthy adults).
In my view, the goal of exercise is to feel good physically, feel confident in what you’re doing for self-care, and to have fun!
2. Cook From Scratch More Often
Homemade meals are one of the best ways to improve your health. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef, just try simple recipes focused on whole foods like veggies, potatoes, eggs, meat, fruit, and healthy fats.
When you cook at home, you control the ingredients, avoid hidden sugars and preservatives, and save money in the process. You’ll also probably lower the inflammation in your body by avoiding all the garbage. It does take planning and consistently going to the grocery store, but it’s a habit most anyone can develop.
3. Try Going Grain-Free for a Few Days
It might sound surprising, but grains can cause inflammation or digestive issues for some people. Try cutting out grains—like bread, rice, oats, and cereal—for a few days and see how you feel. Instead, eat more potatoes, veggies, fruit, and proteins. You might notice clearer thinking, better energy, or less bloating.
I’ve been mostly grain-free for years, and as a result I’ve healed from chronic debilitating pain and excess weight. For more on this topic, check out the book No Grain, No Pain by Dr. Peter Osborne. Read more about my journey below.
Related: Self-Diagnosed Grain Intolerance: Discovering My Back Pain Root Cause
4. Journal for Self-Care and Clarity
Journaling is one of the best tools for emotional wellness and personal growth; it’s an excellent healthy habit! Use your journal for self-reflection, goal-setting, or simply to vent and process your feelings. Your journal is a safe space that supports clarity, calm, and deeper self-understanding.
For tons of journal prompts you can download and print for free, check out the journaling category on this blog. I also offer a journaling course and a journal prompts book!
5. Speak to Yourself With Kindness
Your inner voice matters, so try to make it supportive, kind, and encouraging. Offer yourself words of positive affirmation and support. Treat yourself with the same grace you’d give a friend.
So many of us have a negative inner voice without realising it, and it can truly harm. That’s why building the good habit of speaking kindly to yourself can help shift your mindset, boost your confidence, and reduce stress over time.
6. Get Outside Every Day
Fresh air and sunlight are healing and grounding. Even a quick step outside to stretch, sip coffee, or take a walk can lift your mood. Touch a tree or the grass while you’re there!
Not only does sun exposure helps your body make vitamin D, which is important for immunity and mental health, but it also improves your mood. Just be mindful and avoid sunburn.
7. Reduce the Use of Chemical Cleaners in Your Home
Swapping out chemical cleaners for natural alternatives can benefit your health in huge ways, not to mention the environment. Try using white vinegar or rubbing alcohol for cleaning windows, countertops, or appliances.
Unscented castile soap is another great option. It’s versatile, gentle, and can be used for so many chores, from mopping the floor to foaming hand soap and even laundry detergent!
8. Use Less Plastic in Your Kitchen
Plastic is yucky because it can leach chemicals, especially when heated. That’s why it’s a good idea to eliminate or reduce plastic use wherever possible.
Swap out plastic cutting boards and food containers for stainless steel, glass, or wood. Silicone bags are a good alternative to disposable plastic ones. More plastic items to avoid include:
- Crock pot liners
- Plastic spatulas and cooking utensils
- Plastic water bottles
Little changes add up when it comes to reducing plastic.
9. Clean Up Your Personal Care Products
Many soaps, lotions, and shampoos contain harsh ingredients, even high-end brands. So, why not try switching to organic, unscented, and natural options? This can be done over time, and it can save you money.
You can DIY your own deodorant (I’ve been using this deodorant recipe for years) and use natural oils like jojoba, rosehip, or coconut for moisturizer.
For toothpaste, try a natural brand such as Auromere (The best!!) And when it comes to feminine care, opt for organic. Pads are going to be better than tampons. Logically, do you think that stuffing bleached materials inside you is safe? I don’t.
10. Reduce Screen Time
Spending less time staring at screens is one of the best things you can do for your eyeballs and mental health. Set boundaries with your phone, especially in the evenings. Instead, fill your time with reading, art, exercise, music, or hobbies that bring you joy. It’s about giving your eyes and mind a break.
11. Prioritize Sleep and Rest
Good sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Aim for 7–9 hours a night, and try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day.
If sleep is difficult, first take a look at your caffeine intake. It’s often the culprit! I’ve written an in-depth article, available below, if you’re interested in learning more about healing from insomnia. As well, avoid screens before bed, keep your room dark and cool, and wind down with calming activities like reading before bed.
Read more: Insomnia Causes and Cures: No Warm Milk or Drugs
Final Thoughts
These 11 good health habits are simple, effective, and practical. They may sound like a lot to do, but take things one step at a time. You don’t have to do everything all at once.
Over time, these changes can make a big difference in how you feel physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
You deserve good health, and you deserve to feel your best. Here’s to creating a healthy lifestyle, feeling awesome, and enjoying every day a little more!
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