11 Simple Steps to Create the Perfect Wellness Routine

POPSUGAR Photography | Cera Hensley
POPSUGAR Photography | Cera Hensley

Living a healthier lifestyle comes down to having a solid routine. From eating right to working out, the little things add up and create a healthier, happier you. And it's not just about diet and exercise! Healthy living incorporates plenty of self-care, stress relief, and basics like sleep. Try adding one of these at a time until you have each part of this list mastered.

Start With Sleep
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

Start With Sleep

The foundation of your wellness routine is rooted in sleep. You'll reset your metabolism, feel more energized, recover from workouts, and boost your mood and immunity.

Do 2 to 5 Minutes of Meditation Daily
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Do 2 to 5 Minutes of Meditation Daily

It doesn't take a lot to get this part of your practice in place. Once you've got the sleep thing figured out, add in a few minutes each day of peace and quiet. Turn on some tranquil sounds or a guided meditation audio, get yourself a meditation app, set up a cozy space in your house, and try clearing your head little by little.

Drink More Water Throughout the Day
POPSUGAR Photography | Lexi Lambros

Drink More Water Throughout the Day

Start with lemon water in the morning, and keep reusable water bottles in your office, gym bag, and bedroom to remind yourself to fill up — and sip up! — often. Drinking plenty of water will prevent illness, boost metabolism, and energize you . . . it can even help with weight loss!

Create a Workout Schedule You Love
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Create a Workout Schedule You Love

It might take some trial and error, but finding a style of workout you're obsessed with is paramount to your wellness routine's success. You don't even have to go to the gym or pull two-a-days on the regular to have a solid routine — a little effort goes a long way. Just make sure it's something you love, and don't stop testing out new classes until you find the perfect fit.

Take 5-10 Minutes Each Morning For Breakfast
POPSUGAR Photography | Cera Hensley

Take 5-10 Minutes Each Morning For Breakfast

Set your alarm a few minutes earlier each day so you can squeeze in a healthy breakfast. A small change to your morning routine can have a significant impact, and if you add in a nutritious meal to kick off your day, you'll energize your body while fortifying your immune system, keeping you healthier for longer.

Add Low Impact Movement Into Your Everyday
POPSUGAR Photography | Matthew Barnes

Add Low Impact Movement Into Your Everyday

Whether you walk to work or take lunch breaks outside, it's so important to keep your body moving and mobile throughout the day. Believe it or not, a bit of walking can be just as effective as running.

Learn 5-7 Healthy Recipes You Love
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio

Learn 5-7 Healthy Recipes You Love

Eating healthy will become second nature — and will no longer feel like a chore! — when you find healthy recipes that you actually enjoy eating. Learn a handful well so you can always have them in your back pocket throughout the week.

Do Some Aromatherapy
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Do Some Aromatherapy

Diffusing oils at home is an awesome way to relieve stress, boost your mood, alleviate pain, and even enhance your workout. Get yourself an at-home diffuser and a few pure oils to start your divinely scented home practice.

Add Body Care to Your Daily Routine
POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock

Add Body Care to Your Daily Routine

Whether you're getting a monthly massage or weekly acupuncture, it's time to bring body care front and center. Add Self Myofascial Release (SMR) to your routine using a tennis, lacrosse, or yoga ball and doing at-home, targeted muscle therapy. Use your foam roller to break up thick strands of fascia that get stuck together in adhesions. Give your body the TLC it needs to prevent injury and keep things running smoothly. It'll also relieve stress!

Use Anti-Anxiety, Stress-Relief Practices
POPSUGAR Photography | Dominique Astorino

Use Anti-Anxiety, Stress-Relief Practices

Natural anxiety treatments — including supplements, teas, self-care, and even certain foods — will keep your brain and body balanced, happy, and healthy. Our favorite for 2018? CBD!

Wrap Up Your Day With Your Very Own Bedtime Ritual
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

Wrap Up Your Day With Your Very Own Bedtime Ritual

Everything comes full circle! We started with the foundation of sleep — the last step in creating your very own wellness routine is making a bedtime ritual for yourself. Wind down with a cup of tea, take care of your skin, diffuse your oils, and cut down on screen time to ensure you get those zzz's the rest of your routine depends on!