At the start of every year, people make new resolutions to help them take charge of their personal and professional growth. According to a OnePoll survey from Forbes Health, the top five resolutions for 2024 include improved fitness, finances, mental health, diet, and weight loss.

A helpful way to tackle your new resolutions is by incorporating healthier practices into your daily home routine. Home is where you spend the majority of your days, especially if you work from home. Because of this, cultivating a positive home environment is vital for kickstarting a happy, healthy lifestyle.

To have a more productive 2024, here are five healthy habits to incorporate into your home routine.

1. Start with a bang.

The best way to start your day is on a positive foot. You can set the stage for a happier, more productive morning by establishing a few healthy rituals to kickstart your day when you wake up. For example, moving your body by stretching, jogging around the neighborhood, and exercising can energize your mind and body after a long slumber. And mindful activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help quiet your mind so you can better focus on tackling the day ahead.

2. Fuel up.

Wellness starts from within, which is why eating balanced, nutritious meals is very important. When preparing your meals and snacks, try to be mindful of what you put into your body. Because while processed foods and sugary snacks are palatable, they can be highly detrimental to your physical and even mental health.

Diets that include a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are best for promoting optimal health. So don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes that use a variety of healthy ingredients. If you find that cooking daily meals is a challenge, try meal prepping so you have more time to prepare your weekly menu.

3. Drink more water.

Did you know that 60% of the human body is made up of water? This is why drinking enough water is important. Not only does it help you stay hydrated throughout the day, it contributes to other vital bodily functions, too.

When incorporating healthier habits into your home routine, try to drink plenty of water each day. Experts recommend having 15.5 cups of water per day for men, and 11.5 cups of water per day for women.

To make it easier, always keep a reusable water bottle within reach, so that you remind yourself to keep drinking throughout the day. And for a tasty twist on plain water, try adding fresh fruit slices, berries, or herbs to infuse a bit of flavor and nutrition.

4. Take a break.

From managing household chores to emergency preparedness, being a responsible homeowner is a lot of work. For this reason, taking a break to rest and relax your mind is absolutely necessary for maintaining good mental health.

When taking a breather, make use of the time by incorporating healthy practices such as stretching, taking a walk, or simply stepping out for a breath of fresh air.

Incorporating quick breaks into your home routine comes with many benefits, including reducing the risk of burnout, alleviating stress and anxiety, and contributing to your overall well-being. But if you find it particularly challenging to step away from your responsibilities, try setting an alarm or a reminder on your phone to take a much-needed pause throughout the day.

5. Prioritize quality sleep.

Adequate sleep is the key to a healthier lifestyle. But achieving the optimal seven to nine hours of sleep per night can be challenging for many people — one in three adults, according to the CDC.

If you have trouble sleeping, creating a healthy nighttime home routine can help. To do this, try incorporating calming activities into your regimen such as quiet reading, stretching, or practicing a few mindfulness techniques to quiet your mind before bed.

Another way to promote better sleep quality is by removing blue light disturbances — i.e. a mobile phone, TV, or laptop — at least two hours before you head to bed.  This way, you can prepare your mind to go to sleep so you wake up refreshed and ready for a productive day.