If you want to get healthy but often feel too lazy, say goodbye to these 9 habits

We’ve all had those days when the idea of getting up and moving feels like a monumental task. You want to be healthy, you know it’s important, but somehow, the energy just isn’t there.

The problem here isn’t a lack of good intentions, it’s the presence of bad habits – those sneaky, comfortable routines that keep you from making healthier choices.

Getting rid of these habits is key to overcoming your inertia and getting on the path to better health. So, I’ve compiled a list of 9 habits you need to bid farewell to.

This is for all of you who truly want to improve your health but often feel too lazy.

1) The “I’ll start tomorrow” syndrome

We’ve all been there. There’s that workout routine we’ve been wanting to start, or that diet plan we’ve been meaning to stick to.

But whenever the time comes to actually do it, we find ourselves saying “I’ll start tomorrow”.

Here’s the thing about ‘tomorrow’ – it never really comes. It’s always just a day away.

This is a classic habit of those who want to get healthy but often feel too lazy. We keep pushing our health goals to some indefinite future date, hoping that tomorrow we’ll feel more motivated, have more time, or be less busy.

The problem is, there will always be a reason not to start. There will always be another task that seems more urgent, another day when we’ll feel more ‘ready’.

In reality, the perfect time to start is right now. Not tomorrow, not next week – now.

It might seem hard at first, but once you break the habit of delaying and start taking action today, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make towards your health goals.

So, say goodbye to the “I’ll start tomorrow” syndrome and make today the day you take that first step towards better health.

2) Mindless munching

I’ll admit, I’ve been a victim of this one. The chips are open, the TV show is on, and before I know it, I’ve eaten the whole bag.

Mindless eating – eating without paying attention to what and how much you’re consuming – is a major roadblock on the path to health.

It’s sneaky and often happens when we’re distracted, like during a Netflix binge or while scrolling through social media.

I realized I had to kick this habit when I noticed that my snacking didn’t stem from hunger. It was more about boredom or even habit. The TV was on, so the snacks were out.

Breaking this cycle involved being more mindful about when and why I was eating. Was I actually hungry? Or was I just bored, stressed, or eating out of habit?

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that bag of chips while zoning out in front of the TV, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you really hungry? Or are you just feeding a habit? Mindfulness is your weapon against mindless munching.

3) Skipping breakfast

Breakfast, despite being labeled as the most important meal of the day, often becomes the first casualty in our busy lives.

It’s easy to rush out the door with only a cup of coffee in hand. But skipping breakfast can have serious repercussions on our health and energy levels.

According to research, people who skip breakfast are more likely to:

• Experience increased hunger
• Consume larger meals later in the day
• Have a lower overall diet quality

Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast can kick-start your metabolism, balance your blood sugar levels, and prevent you from overeating later in the day.

So, let’s make a pact to no longer skip our morning meal. Whether it’s a quick smoothie, a bowl of oatmeal, or even leftovers from last night’s dinner – eating something is always better than nothing at all.

4) Living a sedentary lifestyle

In this digital age, it’s easy to find ourselves sitting for long periods. Whether it’s at a desk job, in front of the TV, or while scrolling through our phones – we’re often seated more than we’re moving.

A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to a variety of health problems, from obesity to heart disease and diabetes. It can also lead to feelings of lethargy and demotivation, making it even harder to kickstart that healthy lifestyle we aspire to.

The good news is that you don’t need to run marathons or spend hours at the gym to counteract a sedentary lifestyle.

Even small changes like standing up and stretching every hour, taking short walks during your lunch break, or choosing the stairs over the elevator can make a significant difference.

5) Late-night snacking

Nothing beats the lure of the fridge late at night – a sneaky slice of cake, a leftover slice of pizza, or maybe just some ice cream. After all, it’s been a long day, and you deserve a treat, right?

While occasional indulgences are perfectly okay, making a habit of late-night snacking can hinder your health goals. Eating late at night can disrupt your sleep patterns and cause your body to store more fat.

Instead of reaching for a snack when the late-night hunger pangs hit, try drinking a glass of water or herbal tea.

Often, our bodies confuse thirst for hunger. If you’re still hungry after that, reach for something light and healthy like a piece of fruit or some yogurt.

6) Neglecting self-care

In our quest for health, it’s easy to focus solely on diet and exercise, forgetting that our emotional wellbeing is just as important.

When we neglect self-care – not giving ourselves the time to relax, reflect, and recharge – we’re setting ourselves up for burnout. This can lead to stress, fatigue, and even physical illness. Not exactly the health kick we’re striving for!

I believe that caring for your mind is just as crucial as caring for your body.

It’s about taking a moment each day to do something that brings you joy, peace, or simply a moment of calm amidst the chaos. This could be:

• Reading a book
• Taking a warm bath
• Meditating
• Going for a walk in nature

7) Ignoring hydration

I used to be someone who would go the entire day on just a few sips of water. My coffee intake, however, was a different story.

It wasn’t until I started experiencing regular headaches and fatigue that I realized how much I was neglecting my hydration.

Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. It:

• Aids in digestion
• Keeps our skin healthy
• Boosts our mood and brain function

Yet, it’s surprisingly easy to forget to drink enough water throughout the day.

Swapping out a few of those coffees for glasses of water made a noticeable difference in my energy levels and overall wellbeing.

I also found that carrying a reusable water bottle with me throughout the day helped me keep track of my water intake.

So make it a goal to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. You might just find yourself feeling more energized, focused, and healthier overall!

8) Relying on quick fixes

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with new diet trends and weight-loss pills promising quick results, it’s easy to fall into the trap of looking for quick fixes.

The reality is, these are not only ineffective in the long run but can also be harmful to our health.

Achieving and maintaining good health is a long-term commitment. It’s about making sustainable changes to your lifestyle, not just following a fad diet for a few weeks.

Sustainable changes might take longer to show results, but they’re far more likely to stick.

9) Neglecting sleep

Our bodies need sleep just as much as they need food and water. It’s during sleep that our bodies recover, repair, and prepare for the next day.

Skimping on sleep can lead to:

• A weakened immune system
• Decreased focus
• Weight gain

Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful environment can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. This includes:

• Avoiding screens before bed
• Ensuring your room is dark and quiet
• Investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows

So prioritize getting a good night’s rest, and your body will thank you. After all, health isn’t just about what you eat or how much you exercise; it’s also about giving your body the rest it needs to function optimally.

Final thoughts: It’s about progress, not perfection

The path to a healthier you starts with recognizing what’s holding you back and making the decision to take action.

Don’t wait for motivation to magically appear—create it through small, positive changes every day. Once you start making healthier choices, it will become easier and more natural.

By saying goodbye to these 9 habits, you’ll create space for healthier routines that will not only energize you but also help you feel confident and vibrant in your own skin