12 Healthy Living Habits For a Thriving Life

10 September 2015

Living an inspired, fulfilled and vibrant life is a daily choice. It requires mindful effort and careful thought. Absolutely everything you do is a choice – from the first thought that pops into your head as you wake up, and the first meal you choose to nourish your body with, to the way in which you decide to move your body, your social interactions, and the work you do.

So what differentiates those who are happy, energized and thriving from those who just go through the motions in life barely making it through the day?

It all starts with their choices! The very first choice you make each morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. That’s a pretty big deal right?

Think about those days when everything seems to be going wrong. As they say “when it rains it pours” – and so many of us think this is by chance. Wrong! It all has to do with our thoughts, our choices and the tone we set for ourselves for the day. Starting the day right is the first and most important step towards creating a happy and energized life - one in which you thrive, rather than merely exist.

What to know how?

Well let’s take a look at what active, happy thriving people do every day to set themselves up for happiness and success:

1. They connect with their “tribe”

A “tribe” is a group of people that supports and sustains us on the best and worst of days. It’s our 6 a.m. run club, or the employees we sneak out with for fresh air. It’s the connection that gets us moving on the slow days, pushes us further on the good days, and provides laughter every step of the way. Energy is contagious - surrounding yourself with positive, energized people helps get that positive flow of energy moving within you too.

2. Find a way to move no matter what.

Movement might come in the form of a jumping jack, a deadlift, or a hip-hop sequence, but  truly active people find a way to move several times a day — no matter what tasks their jobs throws at them. Movement doesn’t need a celebrity trainer or a boutique studio name attached to it to do your body and soul good.

3. Make healthy food choices.

We have a choice three or more times a day to guide our bodies along a path of optimal wellness through nourishment. Whether it’s taking time at the beginning of the week to prepare meals or pausing at the beginning of a meal to select a nutritious dish, making conscious food choices is arguably the most important step toward living an active life.

4. Properly fuel and recover from workouts.

Whether you get your sweat on through running, sun salutations, or dance parties, nutrition is the secret to transitioning from one activity to the next, and hydration is the most important tool for making it through a workout. Active people drink more than eight glasses of water a day, especially when the heat is on.

5. Fit fitness into the 9-to-5 job.

Swap that stiff office chair for an exercise ball. Encourage your co-workers to join you in an afternoon push-up contest, or go for a walk around the office block during lunch. Movement stimulates the mind, sparks new ideas, improves mood, and, well, is fun! It’s good for the body, soul, and possibly your bottom line. Luckily, more companies are setting aside time for midday yoga classes and evening strength training.

6. Listen to their bodies.

Our bodies speak to us every moment, through our cravings, our pain, and our instincts; however, we often miss the messages because we’re stuck too deep in our heads. Active people know how to get quiet, to move their consciousness from their thoughts into their thighs, and then to trust that what their cells are calling out for — whether that’s an afternoon walk or an occasional treat — is just what they need.

7. Have a structured restorative practice.

In the movement of life, it can become easy to forget the importance of stillness, the necessity of reflection, and the beauty of solitude. Developing a regular restorative practice, from a 10-minute morning meditation to a weekly hike, ensures that your body and mind receive the rest and self-love they need to continue operating at full speed the rest of the time.

8. Show gratitude for the little things.

Expressing gratitude is the most direct channel to telling the universe what you’d like more of in your life. Focus on feelings rather than on things — like the sense of community that brightens your morning or the thrill of adventure you feel when doing a new activity after work.

9. Appreciate the body and what it can do.

Gratitude is the key to creating more of what we want in life. The more often we thank our body for turning our wildest dreams into our incredible realities, the more likely we are to treat it with the love and respect it deserves.

10. Treat the body with respect.

Speaking of respect, even the most intelligent and ambitious people out there would find it impossible to regulate and control the millions of functions the body handles every day, every hour, every moment. Our bodies are more advanced than the most complex smartphone and deserve to be respected, loved, and nourished so they can work their magic.

11. Inspire others.

The energy, radiance, and positive vibes of active people stretch far beyond them. Others will quietly begin to watch and wonder what impact a regular yoga practice, occasional green juice, or afternoon walk might open up for them. As we become lighter and happier, we inspire and silently encourage others to do the same. Be the light, spread the light.

12. Set realistic expectations.

Life is a journey, and even the best-intentioned plans sometimes go awry. Thankfully, a flexible spine gives way to a flexible mind, giving us the power and patience to anticipate and adjust to life’s many changes. Being gentle on yourself and setting realistic, attainable goals not only increases confidence, but also gives you room to dance with the adventure of life.

Yours in Health Always,

Cara-Lisa

@caralishious

xoxo