Learn these 5 healthy habits to transform your summer

As we head outside this summer, reconnecting with old friends and putting together our new “normal,” there’s never been a better time to start adding some new habits into our routines. Like compound interest, the effects of our habits multiply over time. What we do every day winds up defining who we are.

If you’re ready to introduce some new habits into your life, we’re here to help. The key to this process is to start small, be realistic about your goals, and remember to celebrate your wins along the way. We’ve put together five great habits to help you make the most out of this summer—and beyond!

As little as fifteen minutes of exercise a day is enough to get your heart pumping and, more importantly, to shift your mind into a more optimistic ‘can do’ mentality. This has a fantastic effect on all other areas of your life—it increases the likelihood that you’ll stick to your other habits, while helping you feel stronger in your body and, therefore, your mind.  

Summertime also gives you plenty of options when it comes to creating a regular exercise routine. From jogging and swimming to outdoor yoga, bouldering, and tai chi—there are so many fun ways to get those endorphins going.

Still, be prepared for those summer showers by creating a backup indoor exercise plan. This means that when the cooler fall temperatures begin to roll in, you’ll be well-prepared and ready to keep maintaining your healthy habits.

Sleep is absolutely essential for overall health, but there’s more to getting a good night’s rest than simply getting the right number of hours in. The time you choose to go to bed also plays a huge role in how well-rested you feel when you wake up.

This is due to your circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is essentially a 24-hour clock that keeps ticking in your subconscious and is responsible for your sleep-wake cycle. However, everyone’s rhythm is slightly different. That’s why some of us are early birds, some are night owls, and some fall somewhere in between.

Sleep specialist Michael Breus refers to this as your “chronotype.” By understanding your natural sleep-wake cycle, you can tailor your day so you can be rested and alert for when your motivation levels are at their peak. 

By making it a daily habit to listen to your natural rhythm and accommodate your chronotype, you’ll find you have much more energy to seize the day, whenever it starts. 

It sounds so simple, yet it’s so easy to forget: make sure to stay hydrated. It’s a relevant tip every day of the year, but especially in the warm summer. Water is essential for keeping your body alert, awake, and fully functioning.

Pro tip: make it a habit to start each day by drinking a large glass of water (or two!) and get yourself a reusable water bottle that you keep on you throughout the day. During the summer months, adults should be drinking at least two liters of water a day. If you’re exercising, this can easily increase to four liters or more.

Not only does keeping well-hydrated mean your body and brain are able to operate at their best, but it’s also fantastic for your skin, helps stave off dehydration headaches, regulates your body temperature, and prevents kidney damage.  

Journaling is a well-established healthy habit. It reduces anxiety, helps manage stress, fosters self-awareness, and helps you understand what you value most in life. If you’re not already an avid journaler, now’s the perfect time to start. 

If the idea of regular journaling sounds daunting, don’t worry. You don’t have to commit to writing pages and pages of your thoughts every day. Instead, start small. Allocate five to ten minutes a day to writing whatever’s on your mind. The best approach is not to overthink it. Just let your hand take over and write what it wants to write. You may be surprised by what comes up! 

If the method of free-writing doesn’t come naturally to you, try writing three things that you’re grateful for instead. Practicing daily acts of gratitude has also been proven to have a fantastic impact on mental health.

Nothing quite beats the feeling of financial independence. Setting yourself manageable savings goals, sticking to your budget, and then reaping the rewards of your efforts is an empowering experience. At N26, we’re all about giving you the tools you need to reach your financial goals. Whether that’s saving for a holiday, car, apartment, or your pension—we’ve got you covered.

As a premium N26 member, enjoy using Spaces to create up to 10 sub-accounts. Name each space, set a savings goal, and start setting aside money right away. Plus, our Round-ups feature rounds up each of your card purchases to the nearest euro and transfers the difference into your chosen space. Now, that’s a good habit.

At N26, we’ve got all the tools you need to make taking care of your finances a regular habit. All N26 accounts come with instant push notifications after every transaction, so you’ll always know when money goes in or out of your account. Set daily spending limits for yourself, and see your spending at a glance with our Statistics feature so you can better optimize your budget for the future. Find the plan that’s right for you today.