Health is often called the greatest form of wealth—and for good reason. When your body and mind are in good shape, everything else in life feels easier. However, hectic schedules, screen time and poor routines often push health to the backseat. The good news is that you don’t need extreme diets or drastic lifestyle overhauls to feel better.
According to Dr Saurabh Sethi, consistent small habits practiced daily can make a powerful difference. In an Instagram post, he explained, “It’s not the extreme changes that transform your health—it’s the small habits you repeat daily.”
8 Simple Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Health
1. Begin Your Day With Gratitude, Not Your Phone
Checking your phone first thing in the morning can spike stress hormones and put your body in fight-or-flight mode. Instead, take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for. Dr Sethi says gratitude can activate the vagus nerve and support digestion and emotional balance.
2. Get 10 Minutes of Morning Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight early in the day helps regulate your body clock, improves mood, and boosts vitamin D. It also helps keep your gut’s internal rhythm aligned with your daily routine.
3. Take a 10-Minute Walk After Meals
A short walk after eating helps digestion, stabilises blood sugar levels and prevents post-meal sluggishness. It is one of the simplest habits to improve metabolic health.
4. Eat Fermented Foods Regularly
Foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, dahi and kanji naturally nourish your gut microbiome. Including them at least three times a week can support digestion without needing supplements.
5. Use More Herbs and Spices in Your Diet
Spices such as turmeric, ginger, cumin, fennel and black pepper have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. They also help diversify plant intake, which is essential for a healthy gut.
6. Follow a 12-Hour Eating Window
Limiting your eating period—for example, from 8 AM to 8 PM—allows your digestive system to rest and repair overnight. This habit can improve gut health and metabolic function.
7. Eat Berries Frequently
Berries are rich in antioxidants and support healthy gut bacteria. Dr Sethi suggests rinsing them with baking soda and water to remove pesticide residues before consumption.
8. Prioritise 7–8 Hours of Quality Sleep
Sleep is crucial for gut regeneration and overall health. Poor sleep can disrupt digestion and increase sugar cravings the next day, making consistent sleep patterns essential.
Why Small Habits Matter
While these changes may seem simple, practising them consistently can lead to significant improvements in digestion, mood, immunity and overall health. Over time, these habits can help prevent lifestyle-related diseases and improve long-term well-being.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.