On average, it takes 66 days for a new habit to stick—66 days of consistency, productivity and effort. While this number may seem daunting to someone attempting to incorporate a new routine into their life, the benefits that these 66 days can bring are endless. Healthy habits are critical to building the both the mind and body’s wellness.
At their core, every person knows that a healthy lifestyle can benefit them, but just like anything else, starting is difficult. While it might be easy to go to the grocery store and pile your cart with fruits and proteins, what happens later when you aren’t feeling like cooking and the Cane’s drive through looks a lot more tempting? When it comes to forming new habits, consistency and willpower are key.
“Eating balanced meals while also treating myself benefits my day-to-day life in many ways,” junior Julia Newman said. “It’s important to note that eating ‘healthy’ doesn’t just mean cutting out foods that are viewed as bad. Diet is all about balance: find what works for you and stick to it!”
Remember it is always okay to start small. “Drink plenty of water, get a good amount of rest and love yourself,” said English teacher Matt Hicks.
Starting with small habits that are easily incorporated into your life leaves plenty of room for growth and success.
Healthy habits extend beyond dietary choices. It is just as important to stay active. Whether it be a workout class, an afternoon walk, or a weekly sports practice, keeping your body moving can do wonders for mental and physical healthy.
“My favorite way to keep my body active is going to PowerLife Fitness,” Newman said. PowerLife is a fitness studio with four locations throughout the Kansas City area: Corinth, Town Center, Lee’s Summit and Power & Light. They offer a broad variety of classes, including sculpt, barre and hot yoga.
Newman is not the only one who makes PowerLife a core part of their mindful routine. The studio is a favorite throughout the STA community.
“I love PowerLife because it is the perfect mix of strength and meditation and it is a good reset,” said junior Lucy Schibig.
Allowing yourself time to reset is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body. While it is often fulfilling to have a jam-packed schedule, alone time is essential. It allows you to break free from social pressures and let yourself just be.
The term “Sunday reset” popularized on TikTok has helped many teens and adults alike learn to value their alone time. This trend encourages people to use Sunday as an opportunity to do laundry, cook a favorite meal, take an “everything” shower and go to bed early; in other words, do the basic tasks that are often pushed aside or forgotten during the hustle and bustle of the week.
This trend is endorsed by more than just your favorite influencers. Dr. Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT shared the science behind it in an interview with Verywell Mind. “When you take time to relax, plan and practice being in the moment, it signals to your amygdala brain that it’s safe to relax,” said Groskopf.
It can seem daunting at first: how do you take an entire day of free time and dedicate it solely to self-care? The answer, the same as beginning any healthy habit, start simple. Start an hour timer and place your phone across the room, then begin to do whatever you feel needs to be done. Your Sunday reset is yours, and you should use the time to do that which feels most important. When the timer goes off, give yourself a break and go about your normal Sunday tasks.
Put your phone down, go for a run, make that protein-packed recipe you saved last night, meditate. You control your lifestyle and with dedication can become the best version of yourself. It doesn’t have to be extreme: better your mind and body by listening to them both, and doing what is most beneficial to you. Happy healthy living!
